Instead of targeting affordable housing, B.C. government should be targeting housing affordability The B.C. government’s recent budget included a 30-point plan aimed at the province’s housing woes. The aim was off the mark. Most of the plan’s points fit into two broad categories: reducing demand by raising property transfer taxes, for non-residents and on homes
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affordable housing
Vancouver Can’t Have Both Low-Density and Affordable Housing
on May 12th, 2017
To take pressure off the cost of living in Vancouver, the city should build more housing units on its limited geographic footprint Housing prices in Vancouver have caused a frenzy, as analysts, pundits and activists wrestle with how to improve affordability. The discussion has fixated on foreign buyers, speculators and empty houses. Regardless of the
NIMBY-Ism Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Curtail Access to Housing
on August 10th, 2016
The Alberta government must legislate where local politicians fear to tread: we need enforceable housing rights and we need them now Having decent, appropriate and affordable housing is critical to a healthy, successful life. And if Alberta’s municipal governments can’t ensure such housing, then the province needs to take charge. Decent means no cockroaches or
Comprehensive Approach Needed to Fix Metro Vancouver Housing Crisis
on May 18th, 2016
Study : (Vancouver) A new study finds Metro Vancouver’s growing housing affordability crisis is widening the gap between the rich and poor, and requires a multi-pronged response that would restrict absentee ownership, increase affordable housing supply for both new owners and renters, and make property taxes fair. “The housing crisis is top of mind for
Houston Provides Affordable Housing Example for Vancouver
on May 15th, 2016
Reducing red tape allows for innovative solutions to housing for growing populations, ultimately lowering housing costs A recent Wall Street Journal article featured a number of cities that stand out, giving well-deserved praise to Vancouver’s walkable urban landscape. But while Vancouver continues to become even more pedestrian friendly, a much bigger problem is going unsolved.
Housing Crisis a Health Care Emergency
on October 15th, 2015
The health impacts of homelessness and inadequate housing are well known, including an increase in diabetes, epilepsy and Hepatitis C A disturbing photo of five people sleeping in a Saskatoon bank lobby was recently printed in Saskatchewan newspapers. An earlier photo contrasted the lush yards on the east side of the city’s riverbank with tents
Why Affordable Housing should be a Federal Election Issue
on September 29th, 2015
235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in the course of a year and 1.6 million more are at risk of losing their homes It’s time to make affordable housing an issue in the federal election campaign. Four million people are struggling to find affordable housing in Canada today. By affordable, I’m using the Canada Mortgage and Housing
Homelessness Shouldn’t be a Crime
on September 3rd, 2015
The outcome of several legal decisions might just change the way we view homelessness As humans, we need to sleep. Yet, on both sides of the border, “sleeping” can be considered a criminal act – especially if you are homeless and have no place to rest your head, other than in public spaces such as
Trudeau’s Policies a Recipe for Economic Decline
The Trudeau government’s current policies are not aligned with the best interests of Canadians and are leading to economic decline By examining the challenges Canada faces and the Trudeau government’s responses, it is obvious that not only are the problems unsolved, but the government’s actions are actually making things worse. Housing Take the shortage of