The Millennium Group has been selected as the developer of choice for the Vancouver Olympic Village. The City of Vancouver welcomes The Millennium Group and their vision to create the Olympic Village for use during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

During the Games
The Millennium Group will create a village to house the athletes and officials of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The housing along with commercial and retail space will be the core of the community centre.

After the Games
The Millennium Group's Olympic village will be a sustainable development containing residential units and commercial and retail space for the new residents of Southeast False Creek.

The Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan (ODP) is divided into seven sub-areas. Sub-area 2A will be the first phase of City-owned land to be developed and will become the Vancouver Olympic Village for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Olympic Village will be home to approximately 2,800 athletes and officials during the 2010 Winter Games.

(Source http://www.millenniumdevelopment.com/SEFC/)

By Edward Robinson

Oct. 23 (Bloomberg) -- The Cojo Ranch and neighboring Jalama Ranch don't have mansions or pools or tennis courts to feature in glossy ``exclusive'' real estate guides.

They've got something more spectacular -- miles of undeveloped central California coastline, 1,200 head of Hereford cattle, mountain lions, and an asking price like few others: $155 million.

Taken together, Cojo and Jalama are a ``kingdom property,'' a piece of real estate so vast and remote that the super-rich can disappear there and rule a private domain like William Randolph Hearst did until half a century ago at San Simeon, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) up Highway 1.

In a state famed for pricey real estate, the proposed joint sale of the ranches -- covering 37 square miles (96 square kilometers) of open land a 90-minute drive north of Santa Barbara -- has impressed even the most jaded Californians.

``We looked at the listing and just said, `Wow,''' says Matt Vaughan, president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. ``It's staggering, even for here.''

The seller, Bixby Ranch Co., a family-controlled firm based in Seal Beach, California, is offering the properties jointly or separately. Cojo, pronounced KO-ho, is 8,580 acres (3,472- hectares). Jalama, pronounced ha-LA-ma, covers 15,550 acres. Neither has been for sale since Fred C. Bixby, a rancher who raised prize-winning appaloosa horses, purchased Cojo in 1913.

The Bixby Ranch Co. decided to sell at the behest of family members who want to convert the asset into cash, says spokeswoman Diane Reed. She declined to disclose potential buyers.

Record-Setting

The sale will probably be the richest, non-commercial real estate deal in California history, says Bente Madtsen of Luxury Real Estate.com, a Seattle-based national listing service. The record is the 42-acre estate near Santa Barbara that talk-show host Oprah Winfrey bought for $54 million in 2001.

``We are seeing more of these kingdom properties come to market,'' says Mark Lester, a Vancouver, Canada-based broker with Colliers International Property Consultants Inc. Lester handled the sale of the 5,400-acre Mago Island in Fiji to the actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson last year for an undisclosed sum.

``Clients want to get into these unique properties for the lifestyle they afford and the bragging rights,'' Lester says. ``You buy it because you can.''

Few outsiders have set foot on Cojo and Jalama, which have corrals, barns, bunkhouses and modest ranch residences. The sole way to reach them by land is the two-lane, 14-mile Jalama Road that snakes through the coastal hills from Highway 1 near Lompoc and ends at a public beach.

Helicopter Over

``If you can't pay to charter a helicopter, then you have no business making an offer,'' says Suzanne Perkins, Cojo's lead listing agent with Sotheby's International Realty in Santa Barbara. She wouldn't discuss potential buyers.

The new owner would possess a private realm that looks a lot like it did 170 years ago, when Mexico's governor in California bestowed the Rancho El Cojo to the Carrillos, one of the state's founding families, as a land grant.

Cowboys on horseback watch over cattle grazing on grass- covered bluffs near the edge of the Pacific. Mountain lions and wild pigs roam oak-shaded inland valleys. Steelhead trout swim the creeks that flow from the Jalama watershed to the sea.

The pastoral spell is broken only by the occasional jeep loaded with surfboards headed down Jalama Road toward the waves that break on the ranches' offshore reefs. Surfers ignore ``Keep Out'' signs to sneak across the properties.

One reef, dubbed Tarantulas after the abundance of hairy arachnids that dwell on the bluffs, is a world-class surf spot with 20-foot (6-meter) waves.

`Different World'

``It's a different world out here,'' says Matt Katz, a Santa Barbara surfer, who says the waves are worth the legal risks. ``It's like a little utopia.''

Preservationists say they're concerned that a new owner may despoil the landscape with development.

``These ranches are an undisturbed, intact habitat that should be preserved,'' says Charles Kimbell, a real estate lawyer in Santa Barbara who serves on the state advisory board of the Trust for Public Land, a San Francisco-based conservation group.

Both ranches are subject to state and county land-use restrictions. Still, the deed holder could seek to build at least 200 ``ranchettes'' on 2- to 4-acre parcels if they're clustered together, according to zoning rules.

``Some development is possible, but this is one of the last major open landscapes on the California coast and so we are extremely vigilant about what happens out there,'' says Peter Douglas, executive director of the California Coastal Commission, which has approval powers over development plans.

Trailer Life

A potential sale is very much on the minds of campers at Jalama County Beach Park. Mike Pilcher, nursing a can of Budweiser on a recent afternoon and wearing a baseball hat that says ``Trailer Trash, says he loves Jalama's openness so much that he lives half the year in a trailer at the park.

``I'm not some tree-hugger,'' says Pilcher, 65, a retired high school history teacher. ``But I'd hate to see them come in and set up more roads and fences.''

To contact the reporter on this story: Edward Robinson in San Francisco at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Pre-Teen Halloween Dance Friday October 27
Grades 5,6,7
Join the rest of the mummies and monsters at this awesome Graveyard Smash! Mosh the night away with ghouls and demons who haunt the halls of the FCCC. Costume prizes, Live DJ, Goodie bags, Games, Photo booth, and other spooktacular tricks and treats!!! Be there and be scared! $5 at the door; $3 in advance

Halloween Howl Ages: 1-6 years
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 Vancouver city councillor wants to make sure poor aren't evicted as Olympics nears

Canada's housing market

 both vigorous and stable

    - Country's market poised to show growth throughout 2006 -      TORONTO, Sept. 28 /CNW/ - For most of Canada, the housing market exhibited moderate price increases and stable unit sales during the third quarter. Wide regional variances continued to be the dominant characteristic in the market, exemplified by frenzied levels of activity and double digit price gains observed in the energy and commodity rich Western provinces, and more reasonable sales volumes and moderate price appreciation in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, according to a report released today by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.     Nationally, market trends established through the first three quarters are forecast to continue for the remainder of the year. Robust economic conditions, low unemployment rates, modestly growing salaries and wages, and sound consumer confidence contributed to the overall strength of the residential real estate sector.     Of the housing types surveyed, the highest average price appreciation occurred in detached bungalows, which rose to $300,365 (+16.3%) year-over-year, followed by standard condominiums, which rose to $211,562 (+14.2%), and standard two-storey properties, which increased to $365,380 (+13.2%).     "Canada's sturdy housing market continued to demonstrate steady growth during the third quarter. For all but the west, we have moved on from the frenzied expansion that characterized the first half of this decade, and are poised to show continued growth at a more moderate pace," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive officer, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "Gone is the sellers' market that we have lived with for some years. We welcome the more reliable conditions that are characteristic of a healthy balanced market."     Despite the double-digit rise in average national house prices, considerable regional variances were exhibited again this quarter. The shift to balanced market conditions, which began in late 2005, has continued throughout most of the Central and Eastern regions of the country. In the core energy producing western provinces, the combination of very high in-migration, manageable affordability, and a shortage of inventory has driven record breaking price appreciations.     Echoing the second quarter and supported by Alberta's rapidly expanding economy, Calgary and Edmonton led the charge of Canadian cities with the largest house price appreciation in all housing types surveyed.     In Ottawa and Toronto, growth remained steady, supported by solid economic fundamentals, an increase in available inventory and strong consumer confidence. While the pace of price appreciation in Ontario leveled off slightly, the province's real estate market remains poised for modest growth. In Atlantic Canada, new housing and condominium construction offered buyers greater selection at more competitive prices, resulting in a slower rate of price appreciation when compared with 2005.     While the pace of growth in Canada has slowed, the domestic housing market is expected to outperform the American market. The economic and financial fundamentals driving the residential real estate sector in Canada are markedly different than those found in the United States.     Added Soper: "Canada's housing market is likely to outperform the American market through 2007. A number of factors are working in Canada's favour, including healthy personal and governmental debt levels, the relatively modest rise in interest rates in our country, and general affordability in our major cities. In addition, Americans are now seeing the downside of a tax system that encourages maximum homeowner leverage, and aggressive financial products such as zero- and negative-amortization mortgages that work only in a high price growth environment."      <<                              REGIONAL SUMMARIES     >>      Balanced conditions continued to characterize the housing market in Halifax, as significantly higher inventory levels helped to moderate the rate of price appreciation. Buyers were increasingly choosy, taking more time looking for newer, low-maintenance properties that were not in need of renovations.     The housing market in Moncton remained healthy and strong as a slight increase in inventory helped to moderate the rate of price appreciation compared to the same period in 2005. Activity was brisk throughout August and September and is expected to remain this way through the fourth quarter.     The housing market in Saint John underwent its traditional summer slowdown in the third quarter, with activity picking up towards the end of the quarter. The local economy continued to thrive, as construction on a new 600,000 square-foot shopping area has begun, bringing several new box stores to the area. Buyers have begun seeking less expensive fixtures for their homes and are instead opting for more affordable housing options.     In Charlottetown, the housing market started to move towards balanced conditions, as some sellers had to begin to lower the asking prices on their homes to make them more competitive. Activity from out-of-town and US buyers was down slightly compared to 2005, likely attributable to the strong Canadian dollar. Inventory levels began to creep up in the third quarter, providing buyers with more options when looking for a home.     Activity in St. John's slowed slightly in the third quarter, particularly among higher-priced properties, where there was a slight over-supply of homes priced over $200,000. Listing periods have increased when compared with 2005, as some of the pent-up demand that had characterized the market over the last few years has been satisfied, resulting in more normal, balanced conditions.     Montreal's housing market recorded modest increases in average house prices, due to a slight seasonal slowdown in the third quarter as inventory levels rose. Part of this can be attributed to the fact that many renting first-time buyers were motivated to close on the purchase of a home by July 1, when rental leases expire in Quebec. Once this date has passed some of the pressure is taken off the market, allowing buyers to visit more homes before making a purchase.     Ottawa held its position as one of the country's most stable housing markets in the third quarter, reinforced by a vibrant local economy and strong confidence, resulting in modest increases in average house prices. The city centre remained a bright spot in Ottawa, with homes in this area attracting attention due to their convenient location and proximity to downtown amenities.     The housing market in Toronto sustained healthy activity levels throughout the third quarter, as a strong economy helped to maintain demand across the city, causing average house prices to rise moderately. Toronto has continued to experience modest growth in average house prices, and has been driven primarily by purchasers who are buying homes as their principle residence, rather than for investment.     The vibrant Winnipeg housing market continued to show its strength as house prices rose during the third quarter. The booming local economy resulted in a historically low unemployment rate, helping to bolster consumer confidence and Winnipeg's ranking as the city with the lowest capitalization rate among the country's larger cities - helped to encourage buyers to enter the market.     In Regina, the market experienced a slight seasonal slowdown through July, as there were fewer purchasers in the market due to summer vacations. In August, activity resumed to the busy pace previously seen in the spring months, as the influx of purchasers made it more difficult to find a home due to the shortage of available inventory.     Activity in Saskatoon remained brisk as the market maintained its momentum from the busy spring sales period. The economy in Saskatoon remains vibrant, as employment opportunities are abundant with many businesses struggling to make hires and having to recruit outside the province.     Calgary's housing market recorded blazing average house price increases in the third quarter, in all surveyed categories. The burgeoning economy, low unemployment rates and low inventory levels remained the leading factors that pressured Calgary's house prices upwards. However, regardless of the soaring prices that characterized the market - even during the typically slower summer season - it is expected that activity will become slightly more balanced, as buyers are becoming more reluctant to participate in the frenetic activity.     Edmonton's booming local economy continued to thrive in the third quarter as activity in the oil sands north of the city continued to flourish. Edmonton remained the hub of activity for those coming to work in the oil industry, maintaining tight inventory levels across the city, resulting in prices increasing at record levels. However, as inventory levels continued to improve in the third quarter the rate of price appreciation should moderate slightly towards the end of 2006.     While Vancouver has seen a slight reprieve from the severe shortage of inventory that had previously characterized the market, supply is still unable to meet demand, driving house prices upwards. Vancouver has a very diverse group of active buyers - from first-time home buyers to baby-boomers to foreign investors - all of whom fuel the demand for houses, placing added pressure on tight inventory levels.     Victoria's market is vibrant and supported by strong economic fundamentals, fuelled by a booming tech sector and a migration of young people into the city that has continued to support the area's house price increases; while increased inventory levels have afforded buyers more time when searching for a home, helping to normalize the market's pace.      <<       Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the Third Quarter 2006      -------------------------------------------------------------------------                  Detached Bungalows                Standard Two Storey     -------------------------------------------------------------------------                      2006 Q3     2005 Q3    Bungalow     2006 Q3     2005 Q3     Market           Average     Average    % Change     Average     Average     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Halifax          186,333     173,333        7.5%     198,667     199,000     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Charlottetown    145,000     141,000        2.8%     175,000     170,000     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Moncton          135,000     127,000        6.3%     129,000     123,000     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Saint John       141,200     142,900       -1.2%           -           -     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     St. John's       143,667     142,667        0.7%     200,667     202,333     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Atlantic         150,240     145,380        3.3%     175,833     173,583     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Montreal         213,691     203,500        5.0%     321,141     316,185     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Ottawa           290,083     278,417        4.2%     285,667     273,250     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Toronto          373,368     355,882        4.9%     481,523     474,766     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Winnipeg         181,579     159,860       13.6%     202,337     180,707     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Saskatchewan     170,667     156,083        9.3%     182,600     166,500     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Calgary          395,067     252,411       56.5%     405,778     264,389     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Edmonton         286,857     194,857       47.2%     316,429     206,714     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Vancouver        704,250     601,000       17.2%     794,000     697,500     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     Victoria         375,000     348,000        7.8%     403,000     391,000     -------------------------------------------------------------------------     National         300,365     258,202       16.3%     365,380     322,860     -------------------------------------------------------------------------      -------------------------------------------------------------                                Standard Condominium     -------------------------------------------------------------                     2-Storey     2006 Q3     2005 Q3       Condo     Market          % Change     Average     Average    % Change     -------------------------------------------------------------     Halifax            -0.2%     142,000     103,000       37.9%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Charlottetown       2.9%      98,000      98,000        0.0%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Moncton             4.9%           -           -         N/A     -------------------------------------------------------------     Saint John           N/A           -           -         N/A     -------------------------------------------------------------     St. John's         -0.8%     146,333     145,667        0.5%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Atlantic            1.3%     128,778     115,556       11.4%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Montreal            1.6%     193,190     188,016        2.8%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Ottawa              4.5%     181,083     172,250        5.1%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Toronto             1.4%     252,088     242,918        3.8%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Winnipeg           12.0%     105,648      96,008       10.0%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Saskatchewan        9.7%     106,250     101,000        5.2%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Calgary            53.5%     245,844     153,867       59.8%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Edmonton           53.1%     200,433     131,500       52.4%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Vancouver          13.8%     366,250     323,250       13.3%     -------------------------------------------------------------     Victoria            3.1%     229,000     220,000        4.1%     -------------------------------------------------------------     National           13.2%     211,562     185,296       14.2%     -------------------------------------------------------------     >>      Average house prices are based on an average of all sub-markets examined in the area, except for the smaller markets of Charlottetown, Moncton, Saint John and Victoria.      The Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices is the largest, most comprehensive study of its kind in Canada, with information on seven types of housing in over 250 neighbourhoods from coast to coast. This release references an abbreviated version of the survey, which highlights house price trends for the three most common types of housing in Canada in 80 communities across the country. A complete database of past and present surveys is available on the Royal LePage Web site at www.royallepage.ca, and current figures will be updated following the end of the third quarter. A printable version of the third quarter 2006 survey will be available online on November 15, 2006.     Housing values in the Royal LePage Survey are Royal LePage opinions of fair market value in each location, based on local data and market knowledge provided by Royal LePage residential real estate experts. Historical data is available for some areas back to the early 1970s.      About Royal LePage      Royal LePage is Canada's leading provider of franchise services to residential real estate brokerages, with a network of over 12,500 agents and sales representatives in 600 locations across Canada operating under the Royal LePage, Johnston and Daniel, and Realty World brand names. Royal LePage manages the Royal LePage Franchise Services Fund, a TSX listed income trust, trading under the symbol "RSF.UN". For more information visit www.royallepage.ca.    
For further information: For the regional market highlights or to contact a spokesperson, please contact: Tiffany Fisher or Kate Langan, Mansfield Communications Inc., Phone: (416) 599-0024, or E-mail: 
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