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Frozen Strawberry Plant © Stephen Mullock |
Special Update: Since I wrote this post Maclean's Magazine has reported that Chilliwack has the "Warmest Year Round" temperature at 10.5°C in an article called "Canada's Top 10 Cities For Weather". How cool or warm is that!
The eastern Fraser Valley communities of Agassiz, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs and Hope are not noted for cold temperatures when compared to other parts of Canada. In fact, Chilliwack's coldest monthly daily average temperature occurs in January and it is 2.3°C above zero (or 36°F). Cold but not freezing.
Not to say that it can't get chilly in the "Wack", on December 11, 1968 temperatures dropped to a record -21.7°C or -7°F.
What about snow? The eastern Fraser Valley seems to get some snow each year. Many residents hope for a snowfall just before Christmas but, sadly, many Christmas days are green. Snow is more common towards the end of December and the beginning of January.
What are the monthly average daily temperatures for the Winter Months of December, January, February and March?
December 3.1°C 37.5° F
January 2.3°C 36° F
February 4.7°C 40.5° F
March 7.0°C 44.5° F
Source: Environment Canada
What Does This Mean for Housing?
Over the years building requirements has been strengthened to make our BC dwellings more energy efficient. In this province all new construction must meet the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC). In the Fraser Valley walls in homes must be insulated to R20 and ceilings to R40.Continued emphasis on building houses that are more energy efficient and having fewer greenhouse gas emissions is something BC should maintain - there is always room for improvement.
A great place to find out what BC is doing to build smarter is at the Homeowner Protection Office.
Older homes built before 2008 will have a variety of insulation R ratings that may be difficult to determine. I would suggest that a potential buyer of such a property should use a Realtor© for guidance, ask permission of the homeowner to view the electrical and natural gas bills of the dwelling, get the building inspected and if necessary acquire thermal imaging.
Imagine living here...
Stephen Mullock RI
is an award winning full-time real estate specialist with 30 years of experience and hundreds of sales. Thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Fraser Cheam communities of Chilliwack, Agassiz or Harrison Hot Springs? Contact Steve (click here) of Royal LePage Wheeler Cheam Realty for experience, local knowledge and friendly service you’ll be happy you did.