Blog Post

2020 New Year’s Resolution to add to your list 😊

Irina Bartnik- Notary Public • December 13, 2019
As we all look toward the fresh opportunities of 2020, many of us will make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, spend more time with family, or finally take that long-awaited vacation trip: activities intended to benefit our own lives and those we love.  

Another positive and caring commitment we can make for ourselves and our families is to prepare a Will – or encourage our loved ones to do so.

A province-wide poll conducted by Mustel Group for The Society of Notaries Public of BC in November found that only 51% of British Columbians aged 18+ have a current and legal Will.

A properly executed Will can create certainty of our intentions for the distribution of assets and personal effects, the guardianship of minor children and pets, the responsibility for carrying out our wishes, and other vital details such as funeral arrangements. 

When someone dies without a Will, it can create additional grief for heirs. Without a Will, any one of the heirs may apply to the court to administer the estate. If the other heirs do not agree with this appointment—or if no one steps up—by law the office of the BC Public Guardian and Trustee must manage the estate and charge a fee for the work. Some people face years of financial expense and time to unravel a loved one’s finances. To those left behind to handle the paperwork, a Will is priceless.

In my experience, most people are relieved after they make a Will and are surprised at how easy the process is. Will-planning and the related discussions among loved ones can open important channels of communication, bring people closer, and create more certainty and peace of mind for all.

If know of someone who does not have a Will, please introduce them to me and I’d be pleased to help.

Yours truly,

Irina Bartnik B.Sc.M.A.(ALS) 
Notary Public 
#105 6758 188th Street
Surrey, BC V4N 6K2 

Live Traffic Views in Langley

By Andy Schildhorn • April 3, 2025
The Township of Langley Traffic Cameras for up to date traffic information. Click here

🏡Tariffs, economic uncertainty stall spring market in the Fraser Valley📈

By Andy Schildhorn • April 2, 2025
SURREY, BC – March home sales in the Fraser Valley remained nearly 50 per cent below the 10-year average — making for the slowest start to the spring market in more than 15 years. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,036 sales in March, up 13 per cent from February, but still 26 per cent below sales recorded this time last year. Following a decline on the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, new listings increased 22 per cent in March to 3,800. Overall inventory is at a decade-high level, with 9,219 active listings, 49 per cent above March 2024 and 59 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average.

Best places to see cherry blossoms

By Tom Zillich | Surrey Now-Leader • April 2, 2025
For a short time, parks and streets in Surrey, White Rock and Delta will soon be filled with the white and pink hues of cherry blossoms. Those beautiful blooms are around for only a couple of weeks every April. This week, Discover Surrey posted a list of favourite places to see the Japanese flowering trees in Surrey, including Bear Creek Park (13750 88 Ave.), Nico-Wynd Golf Course (3601 Nico-Wynd Place), 95 Avenue at 154 Street, Spenser Drive at 151A Street and 150B Street at 24 Avenue.  Find out more.
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