Pemberton Real Estate
Pemberton Realty & Development
Article: Whistler Question, spring 2004
Watching the changes in Pemberton in the past decade or so has been a bit like a parent watching a child whose rapid growth
shows no sign of slowing. As it has grown, Pemberton steadily been transformed into a one-stop travel destination, fed
at least in part by the success of world-renowned Whistler resort to the south but not entirely dependent upon it.
Pemberton BC's Population
With a population of 1,997 in 2003, an increase of 7.3 per cent, the Village's population growth is outpacing that of Whistler,
which has grown by just 0.5 per cent for the same period, and the provincial average, 0.8 per cent. Tourism is becoming
one of the area's biggest economic draws, and is one of the sectors that is destined to flourish to an even greater extent
in the future. Not so long ago, Pemberton was a village with a few hundred residents. Its economic engines were farming
and logging.
The town's rapid population growth since 2000 has driven up real estate prices in the area. The average townhome in 2003
was $242,000, with the high end selling at $300,000. This year, the average price of a townhome has risen to $286,000,
with the most expensive priced at $345,000.
Last year's first quarter, from January to March, saw single-family homes priced at around $500,000, while this year's
average was slightly lower, at $495,000, according to local real estate sources.
Pemberton Realtors
Realtors say they expect a much stronger second quarter, largely because there were still plenty of potential buyers and
a lot of product still on the market. The consensus is real estate prices have gone up 200 per cent in the past eight years.
As with other villages near world-famous resorts such as Aspen and Vail in Colorado, Pemberton's boom is predictable as
thousands flock to Whistler. Because it's only a 20-minute drive from Whistler, the homes are a steal compared with Whistler
homes selling for an average of $1,353,864. The village is home to many young families, retired parents, and tourists from
around the world who are using Pemberton as their vacation destination.
Townhomes, Duplexes, Homes
In Pemberton, fresh to the eye are recently built townhouses, duplexes and single-family homes. Lots are currently being
developed around town, both for family homes and commercial buildings with attached residential housing. Up on the Pemberton
Plateau and the Benchlands, developers are currently working on single-family homes.
The new Signal Hill Elementary School just opened last year, and can accommodate up to 550 students, and the high school
was built in the mid-1990s. Whistler provides a major source of employment for many of the people working here, but Pemberton
Mayor Elinor Warner is wary of the term "bedroom community" being applied to her town.
"People who come here contribute to the economy here," she said. "They don't live here simply for the reasons they may
have previously."
A Growing BC Community
Pemberton may be experiencing growing pains with its rapid population expansion, but the need for upgraded economic infrastructure
to accommodate its growing population has been realized by Council and many members of the community. Many entrepreneurs
are searching for commercial space, and the growing community needs more family-oriented facilities such as a swimming
pool and hockey arena. These are things that are sure to come in time, Warner said.
When one looks at the spectacular mountain views, breathes the fresh air, and feels the warmth of the friendly local population,
it's not difficult to see why so many people yearn to live here.
For more information regarding real estate in Pemberton visit our Chamber member Web sites:
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