BC Business
With the opportunity to create a world-class destination unlike any in Canada, Dan Matthews approached the project differently than many developers.
The CEO of Ecoasis Developments, owner of Victoria’s Bear Mountain Resort, believes in investing in amenities before building homes. This stands in stark contrast to the common practice of selling properties then using revenues to fund public amenities. For buyers, it means they can trust in what they’re buying and without having wait to enjoy their property.
“We’re big believers in building amenities before we start building the land. We like to take that risk out of the purchase and provide clarity for our owners.” Experienced with properties in Whistler and Hawaii, Ecoasis is uniquely positioned to realize Bear Mountain’s potential. “There’s nothing like it in Vancouver or the rest of Canada, and only a few similar properties in North America,” Matthews says. For residents and visitors—who also enjoy the world-class Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa on-site—that means national-level cycling, golf and tennis facilities, plus two Nicklaus-Design courses. In fact, Bear Mountain Resort will host the 2016 Pacific Links Championship, a PGA TOUR Champion event taking place September 19 to 25, 2016.
“It’s a unique concentration of amenities in an urban centre. Bear Mountain is situated adjacent to a region that encompasses 300,000 acres of parkland and contiguous greenbelt where you can experience activities year-round. You have a job base, an international airport and some of the best medical care in Canada nearby. This truly is an urban resort, an opportunity to live and work year-round in an area where all the amenities are exceptional.”
The community will eventually welcome 4,000 homes and more than 10,000 people. The newest subdivision—Cypress—features single-family lots, townhomes and low-rise condominiums rising just steps from the town centre, which includes a 50,000-square-foot retail centre and plans for a gondola to the top of Mt. Finlayson. “It will give residents and tourists the opportunity to see that view and link a downhill experience with our network of mountain bike trails.” Visit bearmountain.ca to learn more.