Kelowna Housing Update...Forest Fire Edition

Forest Fire Edition

If there's any advantage in having a major forest fire roll through Kelowna is that most of us have been through it before. We can still see the scars from the 2003 fire any time we mountain bike or walk in Upper Mission or Crawford Estates. We know everything stops, we collectively drop everything and either get out of the way or help strangers load up their trucks.

 Kelowna Helping Evacuees

We see evacuated residents and all their vehicles parked at friends' houses usually with pets, RVs and boats. Everyone is on edge and we are glued to the news for updates. Kids are anxious, animals don't know what's going on and the adults just do the best they can. Every single one of us here was scared.

 All throughout the chaos we see so many examples of how our community is filled with wonderful, selfless people helping out any way they know how.  Government support for Evacuees

 Insurance comapnies and banks do what they always do in these circumstances and put everything on hold in terms of real estate. It's tough to secure insurance with a wildfire in the backyard but almost every written contract comes with a force majeure clause delaying closings until things settle down. Again, most of us have been through this before and know the mechanics of keeping transactions on track during fire season.

 Throughout all of this 32 people still bought and sold a home last week proving our industry will withstand just about anything.

Okanagan Fire 2003

The Okanagan Mountain Park Fire in 2003 was one of the most significant wildfires in British Columbia's history and significantly impacted the Kelowna area. The fire destroyed over 200 homes and led to the evacuation of approximately 27,000 people. It consumed over 25,000 hectares and led to significant damage not only to residential areas but also to the natural landscape, including Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

Effect on Real Estate Market

Short-term Effects:

1. Transaction Delays: In the fire's immediate aftermath, there were numerous delays in real estate transactions. As mentioned, many pending deals were put on hold, often due to force majeure contract clauses.
2. Insurance Hurdles: Insurance companies became cautious about providing coverage in the affected areas, which had a cascading effect on mortgage approvals, often requiring proof of insurance.
3. Property Value Fluctuations: The fire temporarily decreased property values in the affected areas, particularly those with visible fire damage or near the burned regions. Some buyers saw this as an opportunity for investment, betting on the community's ability to recover.
4. Rentals: There was a surge in demand for rental properties as displaced families needed temporary accommodation.

Long-term Effects:

1. Resilience and Rebuilding: Over time, the community rebuilt, and for many properties, values eventually rebounded or even increased due to new construction and community solidarity.
2. Fire-Resistant Building Codes: The fire led to stricter building codes in Kelowna, focusing on fire-resistant materials and designs, which could appeal to new buyers looking for safer homes.
3. Land Development: The destruction caused by the fire led to some rethinking of land development policies, including greater emphasis on firebreaks and other preventative measures.
4. Insurance Premiums and Coverage: In the long term, the fire changed the insurance landscape in the region. Policies started incorporating higher premiums and more stringent guidelines for properties in fire-prone areas, potentially affecting housing affordability.
5. Perception and Desirability: While Kelowna remains a desirable place to live due to its natural beauty, lifestyle, and amenities, recurrent wildfires could pose questions about long-term desirability, which could influence the real estate market.
6. Community Spirit: The community's effective response to the disaster has become part of Kelowna's identity, attracting people who value strong, resilient communities.
7. Environmental Awareness and Policy: The fire led to greater environmental awareness and shifts in public policy to prevent future disasters, although such changes are ongoing challenges.

In summary, the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park Fire had both immediate and long-term impacts on Kelowna's real estate market. However, the community's resilience and adaptability played a significant role in its recovery, setting precedents for how the region responds to natural disasters.

 Let's continue being good to one another.

 If you would like to meet for a coffee with Andy or Kierra, please give us a call or email.

We love to chat!

Andrew Smith Royal Lepage Kelowna Lifetime Award of Excellence 250-979-8066 Toll Free 1-877-330-5884

Kierra Smith, Royal Lepage Kelowna 2x Olympian 250-300-1114