Preparing for Life on the Coast
Linda Pearce | Article and Photographs
I once had a rambling house on an acreage on Salt Spring Island in an idyllic
semi-rural area in the incomparably beautiful Gulf Islands. For many Albertans,
retiring to such a place is a life-long dream, but there are many things I learned
about life in a mild, damp climate that sometimes surprised me. While planning
finances for a future retirement is vital, a lot of other factors should be taken
into account.
Fulford Valley, Salt Spring Island
Let me describe what it’s like
to live on the B.C. coast in
the islands, small towns, or
semi-rural areas close to the
ocean; although many of the
financial, tax, and insurance
issues also pertain to life in
bigger cities, and in the interior.
56 | arta.net
British Columbians must all
get their basic car insurance
through the government
insurance body, ICBC. However,
with ICBC’s financial problems
a growing concern, British
Columbians can expect to pay
more for car insurance.
Earthquake insurance
on your house is almost
mandatory living in such
proximity to the Cascadia
Subduction Zone. Building
codes have changed
significantly over the years to
provide better seismic design