Top 10 Reasons to Move to Pemberton

Embrace Tranquility and Adventure: Top 10 Reasons to Move to Pemberton

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Pemberton, British Columbia, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a tight-knit community. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an active lifestyle, Pemberton has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should consider making the move to Pemberton:

1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Prepare to be awestruck by Pemberton’s jaw-dropping landscapes. With the iconic Mount Currie towering in the background, lush farmlands, tranquil lakes, and pristine forests surround the town, providing a picturesque backdrop for everyday life.

2. Outdoor Wonderland: Pemberton is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding, the region offers a plethora of activities for all seasons. The nearby Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a hiker’s dream, boasting turquoise lakes and awe-inspiring alpine scenery.

3. World-Class Skiing: Just a short drive away, Whistler Blackcomb beckons with its renowned ski slopes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a snowboarding novice, the world-class resort offers endless winter fun.

4. Thriving Agriculture: Pemberton’s fertile soil and favorable climate create a haven for agriculture. Local farmers cultivate a wide variety of organic produce, from vegetables and fruits to honey and lavender. The Pemberton Farmers’ Market is a must-visit for fresh, locally-grown delights.

5. Sense of Community: Despite its natural beauty, Pemberton’s true charm lies in its people. The warm and welcoming community fosters a sense of belonging, making it easy to form lasting friendships and connections.

6. Arts and Culture: Despite its small size, Pemberton boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. From art galleries and live music to community events, there’s always something creative happening.

7. Sustainable Living: If you’re passionate about eco-friendly living, you’ll find like-minded individuals in Pemberton. The community values sustainability and strives to reduce its environmental footprint.

8. Peaceful Retreat: Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Pemberton offers a peaceful retreat from the noise and stress, allowing you to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

9. Strong Economy: Pemberton isn’t just about leisure; it’s a place of opportunity. With a growing economy driven by tourism, agriculture, and small businesses, there are various avenues to explore for personal and professional growth.

10. Proximity to Vancouver: While Pemberton offers a tranquil escape, it’s still conveniently close to the vibrant city of Vancouver. A scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway connects you to the urban amenities and cultural experiences of the city.

Pemberton, British Columbia, is a place where nature’s beauty converges with a tight-knit community, offering a unique lifestyle that balances adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor escapades, artistic endeavors, or a sense of belonging, Pemberton has it all. If you’re considering a move, this picturesque town might just be the perfect place to call home.

Pemberton Barn Dance

Mark your calendars, for the 2023 Pemberton Barn Dance on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Brought to you by The Pemberton Lions Club and Rotary Club of Pemberton and proudly supported by Sunstone Pemberton this year’s fundraiser will showcase THREE local bands with music from 7:15pm to 12:30am, Beer Vendors, Photo Booth, and more.

Due to anticipated high demand, the Pemberton Barn Dance is having a lottery for all general admission ticket sales. Enter here👉🏻https://forms.gle/tpyZBZdHV1cvKC9E9

Please note the lottery rules:
– Duplicate entries will result in removal from the lottery, so please enter once.
– Must be a resident of Pemberton, Mt Currie, Birken, or D’Arcy to enter the lottery (Proof of residence at ticket pick-up required)
– Must be 19+ years of age to enter. 

The entry deadline is Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Winners will be notified a couple of days after the deadline via email. Details for winners to purchase their tickets will be outlined in that email.

EVENTS

Lots of events happening in the Whistler and Pemberton areas this summer. Keep checking back for updates.

MAY

May 19 – Whistler Mountain Bike Park Opening Day
May 19-21 – Whistler Children’s Festival 
May 20-23 – Lil’wat Nation Open Rodeo at Lillooet Lake Rodeo Grounds, Mount Currie.
May 21 – Whistler Farmers’ Market
May 22 – Blackcomb Mountain – Last day of Winter Operations
May 27 – A Tribute to Elvis at Sunstone Golf Club

JUNE

June 2 – Pemberton Farmers’ Market begins
June 20 – Comedy Night at Sunstone Golf Club
June 24 – Nourish Spring Series by Cornucopia – Trip to the Farm Progressive Lunch
June 24 – Summer Solstice Party with FOMO. A Grateful Dead Tribute Band at Sunstone Golf Club
June 24-25 – Mountain Muse Festival at the Downtown Community Barn, Pemberton
June 24-25 – Future West Moto BC Championships at Green River Motocross Track

June 29 – Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at Whistler Olympic Plaza

JULY

July 21 – 30 – Crankworx Whistler

AUGUST

August 10 – 11 – Art on the Lake
August 20 – Slow Food Cycle 2023
August 20 – Araxi Longtable Dinner

SEPTEMBER

September 9 – RBC GrandFondo Whistler
September 16 – Pemberton Barn Dance (proudly sponsored by Sunstone Pemberton)

Pemberton properties excluded from Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban ⁠

PEMBERTON, BC – December 21, 2022

After a surge in home buying during the pandemic, the Canadian government first announced a two-year foreign buyer ban would be brought in to help slow the real estate market in early 2022, which would take effect as of January 1, 2023. This ban would prevent non-Canadians and corporations controlled by non-Canadians from purchasing residential property in Canada, with some noted exceptions.

Whistler and Pemberton Excluded from Foreign Buyer Ban

As of December 21, 2022, we now have clarity that Whistler and Pemberton are excluded from this foreign buyer ban. Both Whistler and Pemberton fall outside the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act definition of “Residential Property” – which states that the prohibition applies to ‘residential property located in a census metropolitan area or a census agglomeration’. We are happy to share that the real estate markets in Pemberton will remain open to investment, despite the ban.

View the census tract reference maps here.

Foreign Buyer Ban – Important Key Facts

1. The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act prevents non-Canadians from buying residential property in Canada for 2 years, starting January 1, 2023.
2. This Act defines residential property as buildings with 3 homes or fewer, as well as parts of buildings like a semi-detached house or a condominium unit. The law does not prohibit the purchase of larger builders with multiple units.
3. The Act has a $10,000 fine for any non-Canadian or anyone who knowingly assists a non-Canadian and is convicted of violating the Act. If a court finds that a non-Canadian has done this, they may order the sale of the house.

Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban – Key Definitions

All of the below are defined under The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act

Non-Canadian
This act applies to individuals who aren’t; Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, persons registered under the Indian Act, corporations based in Canada that are privately held; not listed on the stock exchange in Canada, controlled by someone who is a non-Canadian.

Residential Property
This act defines residential property as buildings of up to 3 dwelling units and parts of buildings, like semi-detached houses or condominium units. This prohibition applies to; residential property located in a census metropolitan area or a census agglomeration.

Frequently Asked Questions: Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban

When will the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act come into force?
January 1, 2023. The prohibition will be in effect for a period of 2 years.

Who does the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act apply to?

The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act applies to:

• an individual who isn’t a:
  • Canadian citizen
  • Permanent resident of Canada
  • person registered under the Indian Act
• corporations based in Canada that are:
  • privately held
  • not listed on a stock exchange in Canada
  • controlled by someone who is a non-Canadian
• entities formed under the laws of Canada or any Canadian province that are controlled by someone who is not from Canada
• an entity formed otherwise than under the laws of Canada or a province

Certain exceptions for specific groups of non-Canadians are outlined in the Regulations. For more information on the Foreign Buyer Ban, please visit.

B.C. Real Estate’s Cooling-Off Period

Additionally, effective on January 1, 2023, the Cooling-off Period is an unprecedented change to real estate contract law that creates the legal right to rescind a residential real estate contract in exchange for a fee. From the time the contract is finalized, buyers will have 3 days in which they can back out of the deal for a fee equal to 0.25% of the property purchase price.

Den Duyf Park

New recreation area serving the communities of Pemberton, SLRD Area C and Lil’wat Nation.

Currently under construction, Den Duyf Park (formally the Pemberton and District Recreation Site) will be a multi-use recreation area serving the communities of Pemberton, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Area C and Lil’wat Nation. Located at the entrance to Sunstone, on Pemberton Farm Road East, the Park will include two grass soccer fields (completed), an amenity building, soon to be constructed, Mountain Bike Skills Park (completed), and baseball diamond (to be considered in a future phase). The site concept also includes a recreation complex (including arena and swimming pool), and parking fields which will be developed in phases as funding permits.

Den Duyf Park is a culmination of a number of smaller projects made possible through funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia as well as seven local partners including the Den Duyf Family, the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, The Ridge at Pemberton, Sunstone Pemberton and the Rotary Club of Pemberton.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about our Municipal parks and fields. Fields and Parks FAQ

View Project Timeline and full details here.

New bike skills park grand opening in Pemberton on Saturday

PIQUE Newsmagazine by Harrison Brooks 

July 12, 2022

After years of waiting, Pemberton residents are finally getting a mountain bike skills park

For years, the Pemberton community has dreamt of a place where local mountain bikers could practice and improve their skills.

And on Saturday, July 16, that dream will become a reality when the Pemberton Bike Skills Park officially opens in Den Duyf Park. The park’s features include an asphalt pump track, dirt jumps and several skill features.

The Village of Pemberton (VOP) is hosting an opening ceremony for the park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., which will include bike demos, live music and giveaways courtesy of project partners like the Pemberton Off Road Cycling Association (PORCA) and Chromag. 

When the park finally opens on July 16, it will represent years of hard work and planning coming to fruition.

The first real step towards the park came in 2020, when VOP mayor and council voted to pursue a grant that would cover a large portion of the costs for the park. Approximately six months later, funding was received in the amount of $974,258, allocated to PORCA for the design and construction of the park.

While the original completion date for the park was set for June 1, 2022, the colder-than-usual weather this spring resulted in a slight delay in finishing the park.

The Construction Source | Feature article

The Construction Source CANADA | January 2022

Sunstone Pemberton is a thoughtfully planned neighbourhood in one of British Columbia’s premier locations. The community sits on a south-facing forested hillside, surrounded by a rock bluff, trees, and sweeping views of Mount Currie and Pemberton Valley below. Integrated with that natural setting, the neighbourhood features green space, a community garden, a vast number of hiking and biking trails, and convenient access to year-round recreational amenities. Residents can enjoy a relaxed rural lifestyle while still remaining close to all that Whistler has to offer.

“Sunstone is a rare and exceptional community,” says Cam McIvor, Development Manager. “It’s a place that people will be proud to come home to.”

The community is being delivered in phases. Phase 1A included 39 carefully planned single-family lots ranging in size from 3,900 to 20,000 square feet. Phase 1B later included 24 lots, with sizes ranging from 8,900 to 24,700 square feet. Phase 2 is currently underway – the 2A release included 15 single-family lots, which are now sold out, and the upcoming 2B and 2C releases will add another 25 lots between them. The Phase 2 lots range in size from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet.

“It’s quite generous zoning, which makes sense because of the way we live here,” Cam explains. “The lots are slightly larger than usual to accommodate all the trucks, and boats, and other toys that we use here in Pemberton.”

In addition to the single-family offering, Sunstone also includes a multi-family component, called ELEVATE at Sunstone. ELEVATE is comprised of four townhomes and 46 elegant and contemporary duplexes. Each unit is spacious, encompassing more than 2,000 square feet including three bedrooms (with an option for four). The duplexes feature open concept layouts, spacious living rooms, expansive decks, and large garages, complete with unobstructed views of Mount Currie.

Read full article.

Vancouver Sun: Modern, Scandinavian-inspired homes set above Pemberton Valley

Elevate, is a collection of 46 duplexes and four townhomes — part of Sunstone Pemberton, a 160-acre master-planned community.

Author of the article: Kathleen Freimond | Publishing date: Jun 25, 2021

Pemberton, a 25-minute drive to Whistler, is well known for its outdoor lifestyle with places to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter and a range of summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and water sports such as canoeing, kayaking and swimming.

While Sunstone Pemberton, with new roads and infrastructure, has all the advantages of being close to Pemberton, it is not in the village’s downtown core and is conveniently close to a 20-acre community recreational site, says McIvor.

“The homes are designed for the way we live,” he says, adding that along with decks and generous outdoor space, every home is situated on a cul de sac with a two-car garage and connections to mountain bike trails.

The modern, Scandinavian-inspired architecture, by Urban West Architecture and Koodoo Designs, features flattish roofs and darker siding colours with large windows to capture the stunning views of Mount Currie – the landmark in the Garibaldi Range that stands 7,800 feet above the Pemberton Valley.“[At Sunstone] there are mountain views to the east and west so truly 180-degree views,” says McIvor.

Potential buyers of the duplexes in the Elevate project can choose from six different floorplans. The three or four-bedroom duplexes ranging in size from 2,026 square feet to 2,200 square feet. The variations in the floorplans account for differences such as the size of the rec rooms, laundry rooms and the number of bedrooms, he says.

The relaxed and minimalist interior design reflects the same Scandinavian influence that is seen in the architecture, says Annaliesse Kelly, founder and principal interior designer at AK Design.

“The windows frame the outdoors. When I walk in, I feel in awe of the view – Mount Currie is right there; there is nowhere else to look but at the amazing mountain.”Kelly says she focused on a neutral design that would not detract from the mountain view, choosing durable materials and functional elements such as free-standing islands in all homes, full-height pantry cupboards and hard-wearing composite flooring.

Buyers can choose from two colour schemes, Light or Dark, with the main differences found in the countertops and the floor tiles in the bathrooms.

The two-tone kitchens feature oak-look laminate lower cabinets and white upper cabinets, all with flat panel doors. White 12- by three-inch tiles will be set in a stacked pattern for a modern backsplash above the quartz countertops – the Light scheme’s countertop is reminiscent of marble with subtle veining, while the quartz in the Dark scheme has a grey concrete-look.The upper cabinets and the walls are finished in the same white paint colour to enhance the feeling of spaciousness, says Kelly, while features like open shelving allow homeowners to add their personal touch to the kitchen.

The major kitchen appliances are by Blomberg and include a 36-inch refrigerator/freezer, a gas range and a five-cycle dishwasher. The front-loading washer and dryer in the laundry are by LG.

In the bathrooms, 12- by 24-inch porcelain floor tiles brighten the space, while the frameless glass shower doors and the stacked white-tile backsplash will add to the spa-like ambience.

Elevate is 50 per cent sold, and McIvor says buyers include many Pemberton and Whistler locals with additional interest from buyers from the Lower Mainland.

“There are a lot of young families [buying], so it’s turning into an instant neighbourhood,” says McIvor.

Typical weekend activities for young families could include berry picking at North Arm Farm, enjoying the Friday evening farmers market, mountain biking, fishing in the two small trout-stocked lakes above Sunstone or visiting the family friendly Beer Farmers craft brewery.

There is an added perk for buyers who are golfers with complimentary two-year memberships for two people to the Sunstone Golf Club with its 18-hole course. (The club was previously the Pemberton Golf and Country Club and later Meadows at Pemberton.) The club’s Sunstone Bar & Grill is a favourite place for a meal or drink after a round of golf.Sunstone has also partnered with TELUS to give buyers one year of free internet 300 and Optik TV.

McIvor notes community amenity contributions from sales at Sunstone benefit the community of Pemberton, helping to build the nearby recreation site being developed to include soccer fields and a mountain bike skills park and with longer-term plans for an arena and swimming pool.

The developer also made land available to facilitate the seven-kilometre Friendship Trail, a joint undertaking by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the Village of Pemberton and the Líl’wat Nation. When complete, the trail will connect the communities of Mount Currie and the Village of Pemberton.

Project: Elevate at Sunstone

Project address: 4000 Sunstone Way, Pemberton, B.C.

Developer: Elevate Sunstone Joint Venture

Architect: Urban West Architecture and KooDoo Designs

Construction: TM Builders Inc

Interior designer: AK Design

Project size: 50 units

Number of bedrooms: 3- and 4-bedrooms

Price: From $1,209,000

Sales centre: Site tours by appointment

Phone: 604-935-2650

Website:elevatesunstone.com

Original Article here: https://vancouversun.com/homes/vacation-homes/modern-scandinavian-inspired-homes-set-above-pemberton-valley

Village of Pemberton secures funding for Pemberton Area Mountain Bike Skills Park

March 03, 2021

Park to be delivered in partnership with Pemberton Off-Road Cycling Association

PEMBERTON, BC – The Village of Pemberton has been successful in securing $974,258 in funding through the Community Economic Resilience stream of the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) for the construction of the Pemberton Area Mountain Bike Skills Park.

“The Village of Pemberton is delighted that we have received the funding to move forward with the Pemberton Area Mountain Bike Skills Park,” said Mike Richman, Village of Pemberton Mayor.

“The Park will be an important community amenity that will give cyclists of all ages and abilities an opportunity to grow competency and knowledge in a safe and controlled manner while supporting the community’s social, economic and health needs. This is wonderful news for our whole mountain bike community.”

The Pemberton Area Mountain Bike Skills Park will be located at the Pemberton & District Recreation Site located on Pemberton Farm Road East. The Park will provide residents and visitors access to a quality, world-class recreation facility, identified as a regional priority due to the area’s limited recreation facilities.

The project also supports the vision of the Pemberton & District Recreation Site by providing a local, accessible, safe, positive environment for all members, encouraging active lifestyles.

“The Mountain Bike Skills Park will be a fantastic addition to the Pemberton & District Recreation Site, which will serve Pemberton and the surrounding area, including Area C of the SLRD,” said SLRD Electoral Area C Director, Russell Mack.

“We’d like to congratulate the Village of Pemberton on this successful grant application, and thank them for their ongoing commitment to this work, that enhances the recreation services for our residents.”

The Park will be developed in partnership with the Pemberton Off-Road Cycling Association (PORCA).

“While Pemberton’s world-class bike trails are in high demand, they are extremely technical in nature given Pemberton’s terrain and topography. The majority of Pemberton’s trails require an intermediate skill level and there are very few flat beginner trails on which to learn or practice on,” said Bree Thorlakson, Executive Director, Pemberton Off-Road Cycling Association.

“We are grateful to the Province of BC for this generous contribution towards the Park. This investment will bolster our local economy while serving our local and visiting biking community. PORCA looks forward to rolling up our sleeves working alongside our local government partners to deliver this incredible community asset.”

The proposed Mountain Bike Skills Park is one of four outdoor recreation amenities planned at the Pemberton & District Recreation Site. The site concept was informed by extensive community consultation in 2013.

To view Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program project information, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2.24.2021_CERIP_CER_projects.pdf

See original press release.

Introducing the Sunstone Golf Club

February 10, 2021

Sunstone Pemberton is pleased to bring The Meadows at Pemberton into the family. (Sunstone has quietly owned the course for close to 8 years). 

When The Meadows at Pemberton Golf Course came up for sale in 2013, Janspec Holdings (family-owned parent company of Sunstone Ridge Developments Ltd.) decided to purchase the Meadows as they felt it was good for the community and wished to maintain the local jobs, affordable rounds, and the rich heritage of community golf in Pemberton.  

Now the time has come to officially welcome The Meadows into the family as the newly rebranded Sunstone Golf Club. Fresh, new look but same great value and down to earth local vibe. In addition to maintaining the exceptional golf and food offerings, Sunstone Golf Club welcomes all of its new Sunstone and Elevate homeowners with two 2-year complimentary Adult Golf Memberships*.

We welcome and hope to see all Sea to Sky residents at our local clubhouse in 2021.