What city do you live in, and what neighbourhood in that city?
For the past 27 years in New Westminster spending the last 16 in Quayside and prior to that Sapperton.
Do you rent or own your own home?
With my partner of 40 years we own our condo and provide home care for our 92 year old mom.
If you own a home, when did you buy it? How has the current housing market situation impacted you?
In 2002 we purchased our condo after renting for years. Eventually we exercised an option to purchase when the owners wanted to sell. A result of increasing assessments is a rise in property taxes. Fix income homeowners feel the pinch as cost rise overall and can’t afford needed services.
If you rent, or have another housing arrangement, how has the current housing market situation impacted you?
I have friends that have moved out of the city and others that can’t find or afford the cost of rental accommodation. This is changing the social fabric of our city and breaking up long time relationships.
If there is one single policy that the next provincial government can enact to address a housing need, what would that policy be? Be specific.
There is no 1 policy therefore a multifaceted approach is required. Policy could range from repealing regressive legislation on empty condo units/ housing to reduction in taxation for buyers and sellers. Add changing building bylaws to encourage developers and grant funding for those who require assistance the most.
