Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Salmon Beach (SB) properties freehold or strata properties?
   All properties are freehold (fee simple), NOT strata or leased, and are not implicated with any First Nations land treaties.
2. Can one live full time at Salmon Beach?
   The restriction established by the Regional District states 180 consecutive or accumulated days each year. Given it is a Recreational Village, you cannot establish your Salmon Beach cottage as your permanent residence. However, each owner has a key for the gate and has access to Salmon Beach year round.
3. Can I rent my Salmon Beach cottage?
   No business rentals are allowed at Salmon Beach (private and gated community). However, you may permit family members and friends to use your cottage at your discretion.
4. Is there a building commitment for construction?
   No, you can leave your lot vacant. Once you decide to build, you have 2 years (24 months) to bring your cottage to lock-up (outside fully finished) and can utilize non-permanent accommodation such as an R.V. during the construction phase. It is becoming popular to erect the 160 sq. ft. utility building (shed) first and utilize it as your temporary construction/accommodation headquarters while you are building.
5. Is financing available for purchasing a property at Salmon Beach?
   Yes, eligible buyers can obtain up to a 65% mortgage of appraised value at market rates from all major banks in Canada, including Credit Union Banks.
6. What is the tax rate?
   The tax rate is approximately $10 per $1000 property assessed value. This means that if you buy a lot at $50,000, the annual taxes would be approximately $500. A portion of the paid taxes comes back to the Salmon Beach Owners Association (SBOA) Executive Committee who manages the budget for the Village, i.e. maintenance of roads, streets within the village, boat ramp permit, sani-field permit, full time on-site custodian (caretakers), etc.
7. Why is there allowance for 2 different sizes of cottages?
   The Regional District has set density restrictions, which permits a 560 sq. ft. cottage with a 50% loft on properties of less than 9,400 sq. ft. The larger cottage of 768 sq. ft. plus 50% loft can be built on properties of 9,400 sq. ft. or greater. Another important condition is that cottages must be within an 18 feet height limit. A construction of dormers over the loft area greatly enhances the living square footage. The bonus is that there is no restriction on the size of decks/patios, which actually increases your outdoor living space, a very important aspect of coast living.
8. What is the main source of potable and domestic water?
   The main source of domestic water is rainwater collected from cottage roofs. Technology allows various filtration systems, including ultraviolet, to allow drinking water at the tap or sand filtration systems. There are also a number of communal wells throughout Salmon Beach Village, which is an excellent alternative source for potable water.
9. Is Provincial Hydro available?
   A plebiscite was approved in 2009 for B.C. Hydro to extend electric power to the Salmon Beach property. Engineering and planning for electrical service have commenced. Electrical service at Salmon Beach will greatly increase the resale values of lot properties. At present, Salmon Beach is off the B.C. Hydro grid and electricity is sourced from solar systems backed up by generators (on rainy days), batteries or all of the above.
10. What is the method of processing sewerage?
    As part of the new rezoning, it is mandatory for every purchaser to install a minimum 1200 gal septic tank or 2000 gal. (for both black & grey water). A system for pump & haul has been established where a pump truck from the nearby town of Ucluelet will empty tanks for a nominal fee of $75.00 and transport the effluence to the Salmon Beach sani field.
11. What are the main methods of communication?
    There is no LAN line telephone system and therefore most owners use cell phones, since the reception is excellent due to the Communication tower on nearby Mount Ozzard. In addition, some owners have installed high speed internet via a dish (Xplornet, division of Direcway). Television is also available via the numerous providers of satellite TV (i.e. Bell Express, Star Choice, etc.).
12. What type of emergency services are available?
    Ambulance and police service are available from Ucluelet and there is a hospital in Tofino, as well as in Port Alberni. The Canadian Coast Guard is also available to provide emergency services by sea or air.
13. How is the access road maintained?
    The road to Salmon Beach from Highway 4 West is really 2 roads. The first section called Toquart Bay Road runs from the Hwy 4 to Toquart Bay. It is maintained by the Department of Forestry. The second section is the Salmon Beach Road, which connects the Village to Toquart Bay Road. This section is maintained and graded via the SBOA with funding coming from the annual assessment. The Salmon Beach road is graded regularly. The total distance for these 2 sections is 18 km. Both roads are unpaved but graded. The access roads do not pass on First Nations land.

14. Can a purchaser put another structure on the property besides the cottage?
    Yes, the Regional District bylaws permits the construction up to 160 sq. ft. utility building and not exceeding a height of 18 feet. See Exhibit 3 of the Disclosure Statement for detailed wording from the Regional District.
15. What are the lot sizes?
    The majority of lots are 60’x120’ (7,200 sq. ft.). Perimeter lots are 60’x160’ (9,600 sq.ft.). Some owners have purchased 2 adjacent lots and had their 2 lots amalgamated in order to be eligible to construct the 768 sq .ft. cottage.
16. Does Salmon Beach have fire protection?
    Salmon Beach owns a water and utility truck which can be utilized for fire containment. This truck is operated by the Custodian (caretakers) but Salmon Beach is not recognized as having full fire
    fighting services.
17. How do people heat their cottages?
    You can install clean burning propane or wood stoves or a combination of both.
18. Are there any other services I should be aware of?
    Since the majority of owners utilize propane for both refrigeration and cooking ranges and on-demand hot water heaters, a monthly propane delivery has been established for the larger tanks of 100 pounds or greater.
19. Can I buy a lot and personally build or contract out the construction of my cottage?
    Yes, but it must conform to the Regional District bylaws. There is a sequence of steps to follow in order to acquire a building permit. This documentation will be made available on the purchase of a lot.
20. What does it cost for maintenance services and security?
    Each property is assessed a service fee of approximately $200 annually which is collected as part of the annual taxes by the Regional District. This assessment is an integral part of the over all tax rate.
21. Where do owners launch their boat?
    Salmon Beach has its own private boat ramp for launching both power vessels as well as kayaks (no mooring allowed because of protected sea shore). There is an alternative launch ramp at Toquart Bay Campground (15 minutes from SB), with a fully serviced new marina where berths can be rented on a daily / weekly / seasonal basis.
22. Are there any beaches nearby?
    Salmon Beach has its own private sandy beach adjacent to the boat ramp. Actually, there are several gorgeous sandy beaches nearby, all at a relatively short walking distance. You can also visit world famous Long Beach in Tofino (approx. 1 hour drive) for both swimming and surfing.
23. What is the future development plan for Salmon Beach?
    The ongoing phase under development is Phase 3, which consists of 39 lots, which will be ready to market in 2009 mid-summer (July / August). Once Phase 3 is sold, there will be no further development or lots available at Salmon Beach.
24. Are there any hidden costs?
    No. Lots are sold at firm developer prices. All properties sold attract GST (7%) and Property Transfer Tax (PTT) of 1%. There are the regular legal fees (notary / lawyer fees) for completing the transaction.
25. Are the lots prepared for building?
    All lots have been cleared of alders and selective cutting of evergreens (where applicable) to enhance view corridors and concurrently maintain a level of privacy. All lots have driveway access. Certain lots may require additional tree cutting based on the owner’s building plan and view corridor enhancements.
26. Is there a golf course nearby?
    Yes, there is the Long Beach Golf Course, located on the Pacific Rim Highway, located between Tofino and Ucluelet. A chance for the avid golfers as well as non-golfers to go shopping in the many boutiques nearby.
27. Where is the closest airport?
    If you are coming from Alberta, West Jet flies from Calgary to Comox Airport (2 1⁄2 hours from SB). From the Mainland, you can fly to Nanaimo or Victoria, although Nanaimo is closer to Salmon Beach (2 hours less than flying to Victoria).
28. Can properties be viewed at any time?
    As a general rule, Coast Realty on-site representative, France Champeau, will be available along with her colleague, Carolyn Shearer, throughout the selling season (May to October 2006). Appointments are recommended to ensure the Buyers receive the best attention and service during their visit. France's cell phone is: 250 726 5242 and Carolyn's cell phone is: 250 266 7161 for appointments.
29. Where should we stay during our visit?
    Please refer to the following web site for nearby accommodations in either Port Alberni (1 1⁄2 hour from SB), Ucluelet (45 min from SB) or Tofino (1 1⁄2 hour from SB): There is also the nearby Toquart Bay Campground that accommodates trailers, RVs, and tents. Please phone 250 726 8306 for reservations.
    
    http://www.vancouverisland.com/accommodation