The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast

I am pleased the Local Weekly is back in print and to once again have this opportunity to connect with the Coast. The past months have been challenging for us all, and especially for the most vulnerable in our community and those who serve them. Thanks to the informed and calm direction from our public ... Read More »

Home sales and prices will likely face declines in the spring and early summer, with a recovery along with the economy in the second half of the year, according to the latest projection from BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Unsurprisingly, the results of our simulations show a steep decline in home ... Read More »

Low-income clients can have their income taxes prepared by volunteers free of charge, from March 1 to April 30. The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is sponsored by the Canada Revenue Agency and by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). Volunteers will complete simple tax returns for those meeting the income threshold: individuals, $35,000; family ... Read More »

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has wrapped up the first round of public budget meetings. On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, preliminary pre-budget reviews took place, which are followed by two rounds of budget meetings in February and March. The preliminary draft overall taxation after Round 1 of the 2019 Budget deliberations shows increases ... Read More »

The Sunshine Coast Credit Union, Rhiza Capital and Community Futures Sunshine Coast are joining social finance leaders from across Canada in celebration as the Federal Government announced a $755-million fund for social finance in the Fall Economic Statement. Social finance is the practice of making investments that deliver social and environmental returns, as well as ... Read More »

Much like earthquake readiness, many of us aren’t as well prepared as we would like to be to weather a personal financial crisis.  Here are some tips that will allow you to plan for the unforeseen today and relieve some of that financial anxiety! 1. Build up an Emergency Fund No one likes to think about ... Read More »

If you meet the financial requirements, you can have your tax returns prepared free of charge by the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, sponsored by the Canada Revenue Agency and by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). Volunteers will complete simple tax returns, free of charge, for low-income clients.  Income limits:  individual $30,000, couple $40,000, ... Read More »

If you packed up and sold your Home Sweet Home (a.k.a. your principal residence), there’s some new things to know when it comes to your taxes. Whether you moved down the street or across the country, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) wants to stay in-the-loop, so you’ll need to report the sale on this year’s ... Read More »

Local prosperity supporting community values – that’s what Coast Community Investment Co-op representatives will discuss Jan. 26 at its Invest Locally public forum, hosted by Sunshine Coast Credit Union. The new, member-owned Co-op invests in local businesses and projects that support social and environmental goals such as food security, affordable housing, environmental resilience, and job ... Read More »

Canada is struggling to remain competitive. Despite its efforts, our country’s level of productivity and, in turn, its level of economic prosperity continues to decline. In its 2014-2015 Global Competitiveness Report, the World Economic Forum ranked Canada 15th in global economic competitiveness—down one spot from 2013-2014 and 2012-2013 and down three from 2011-2012. In 2012, ... Read More »