While some New Westminster residents lined up in city hall to tell their political representatives what they thought of the city’s plan to create a heritage conservation area for Queen’s Park, at the very same time, another group of residents filled Century House to find out what they could possibly do about being evicted from their homes.
The stark contrast of property rights versus human rights could not be more apparent in New Westminster today. The booming – some might say exploding – real estate market is revealing the widening gap between those who have the means to own their own home and those who have all but given up on the hope they will ever be able to own and not rent.
The sense of hopelessness, powerlessness and, yes, anger that renters impacted by renovictions exhibited on Tuesday night should be a wake-up call to all of us.
When ownership of a home, and not just a single-detached home, has become a lost dream for young people, those of us who have some experience under our belts may offer a deep sigh and say, “Well, that’s just the way it is now.” But when people who are working full time cannot even afford to rent in the Lower Mainland, we are in new and very ugly territory. Not to mention seniors on pensions, and single parents who can barely afford to raise a child and pay rent. There is simply no shrugging our shoulders and looking the other way just hoping it will all sort itself out.
The fact is, we have gotten to this point because our provincial and federal politicians simply neglected their duty. And many of us, as voters, abetted that negligence.
There’s no doubt housing is part of an economic industry, but it is also shelter. And in a society that considers itself civilized, all people deserve decent shelter: clean, safe, affordable housing.
During the last several decades, we have become almost inured to the face of homelessness. Will we continue to accept this as just part of the Canadian way of life?
The tenants who face almost immediate loss of their affordable suites deserve much better. The provincial “renoviction” rules must be improved and strengthened dramatically.
New Westminster, to its immense credit, has put in measures to try and retain as much older rental stock as possible, but the city alone cannot protect renters.
