BULMER'S POINTE ~ frequently asked questions
Q: What are the caretaker's duties and responsibilities?
A: The year-round resident caretaker at Bulmer's Pointe will:
- Be certified to maintain and operate the community's water utility and septic field
- Plant and maintain the communal garden
- Maintain and operate the communal docks/slips (if applicable).
As well, residents may have the option of retaining the caretaker for additional duties such as: garbage removal and recycling; housekeeping and scheduled home inspections; pick up and delivery of basic supplies (such as groceries and fuel); and property security (mainly to patrol for wildlife).
Q: How do I purchase a lot at Bulmer's Pointe?
- First, choose one of the remaining lots.
- Second, review the terms of the sales contract with a member of our sales team.
- Third, place a deposit.
- Fourth, expect closing in the spring of 2008; depositors will be given three weeks notice of closing.
Q: Who is developing Bulmer's Pointe?
Roco Developments, a Calgary-based company involving family members of Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts. Among the company's properties are Emerald Lake Lodge, Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Deer Lodge and numerous other food and wine businesses in Alberta.
Q: What utilities and services will Bulmer's Pointe have?
A: All lots at Bulmer's Pointe will have:
- Treated, potable water from a dedicated community utility provided by the developer and owned and operated by the Strata Corporation.
- Common Sewage Disposal Field, which will be owned and operated by the Strata Corporation.
- Underground power and telephone lines provided by B.C. Hydro.
Additional information is provided in Bulmer's Pointe sales package.
Q: What will the homes be like at Bulmer's Pointe?
A: Design and architectural guidelines for Bulmer's Pointe have been developed to ensure the community has a consistent architectural style that respects and preserves the surrounding natural environment and enhances its overall aesthetic look.
Click here for a PDF of the Design Guidelines.
Q: Apart from land and construction costs, what other costs are associated with owning a lot at Bulmer's Pointe?
A: As with any property, owners will be responsible for all property taxes. As Bulmer's Pointe is a bareland strata subdivision, lot owners will be responsible for their strata fees. In addition, each lot owner is a 1/33 owner in the caretaker lot and improvements, and subsequently is responsible for 1/33 of the taxes and strata fees for the caretaker residence. An estimated budget on strata fees is included in the disclosure statement.
There are a few one-time expenses. At closing, British Columbia imposes a Property Purchase Tax (PPT). This tax is calculated by multiplying the first $200,000 by 1% and everything thereafter by 2%. Hence, a $500,000 lot would incur a PPT of $8,000. The sale of new property is subject to a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 6%. Hence, a $500,000 lot is subject to a GST of $30,000. In addition, B.C. law requires each Purchaser to be represented by legal council. The sales team may provide referrals and quotes for local attorneys. At time of construction, each property owner is responsible for installing his or her own sewage disposal (septic tank, pump chamber and pump).
Q: What kind of boating facilities will Bulmer's Pointe have?
A: Roco Developments is currently discussing plans with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to install a communal docking area at Bulmer's Pointe. Slips will be available to lot owners; our sale team can provide additional information about boat storage facilities.
Boat launches, fuel and other commercial boat supplies are available at numerous marinas on Kootenay Lake, the closest being Beachcombers Resort & Marina and Schroeder Creek Resort & Marina in Kaslo.
Q: Is there a risk of forest fire in the Kootenay Lake area?
A: Throughout British Columbia's vast forests and wilderness areas, forest fires can be a risk depending on seasonal conditions. At Bulmer's Pointe, this risk will be greatly reduced; deadfall and dried material have already been removed from the property. As well, the community will be equipped with water hydrants and basic fire-fighting equipment will be stored at the caretaker's property. The community will enforce fire-smart guidelines to further reduce fire risk during construction and residency.
Q: Are there bears along Kootenay Lake?
A: The many natural areas around Kootenay Lake are ideal habitat for bears. The thrill of seeing one of these powerful animals should always be tempered with the knowledge that bears and people often come into conflict.
Bears may wander into Bulmer's Pointe, and residents will be encouraged to be "bear aware".
Q: How will Wilderness Lot owners access the lake?
A: Public Access to the lake has already been created at the Northern end of the community. This area extends 63 meters (205 feet) of waterfront and features some of the area's softest sand and most sheltered waters for swimming. A community trail will run along the shared access road for lots 27 to 31, cross Bulmer Creek and run into the common property (or "natural area") around "Old Man Bulmer's Cabin" and down to the beach. In the event that the communal docking facilities are approved, the slips will be sold on a first I-in, first-choice basis; lot location will not influence access to the communal dock.
Fire-smart Guidelines
Homeowners can take these simple steps to improve the fire resistance of their home and property.
- Use roof covering material with a Class A fire resistive rating.
- Limit the size and number of windows facing large areas of vegetation.
- Install tempered glass or multi-layers glazed panels in exterior walls, glass door and skylights. Or install solid exterior shutters.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Place a fire extinguisher on each level of your house.
- Remove dry grass, brush, leaves and dead or dying trees within at least 30 metres of your home.
- Remove dead branches overhanging your roof and all branches within 3m of chimneys.
- Cover chimneys and attic and sub-floor vents with noncombustible screening.
- Store firewood at least 15m from any structure.
- Maintain an insulated water supply within 300m of your home; the local fire department can advise you of ways to do this.
For more information on protecting your home from fire, visit www.iclr.org.