The B.C. government has a plan to address Vancouver’s housing crisis, according to Premier Christy Clark.
In an address released with little fanfare on YouTube Friday, the premier says “it’s time for bold action” to tackle the region’s housing affordability issues. What exactly that action entails will be released over the coming days and weeks.
Housing affordability is “impacting families and impacting the livability of our region,” said Clark. “It’s time for a determined effort, one that includes all levels of government to make sure we preserve the dream of owning a home and keeping it in reach of the middle class.”
Central to the plan are six principles the government will consider, including: increasing the housing supply, smart transit expansion, supporting first-time home buyers, consumer protection, increasing rental supply and protecting the dream of home ownership.
Earlier this week, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson announced that he’s proposing a punitive business tax on vacant homes — with or without the province’s support.
“Housing is first and foremost about homes,” he said. “It’s not just a commodity to make money from and we are going to make sure that those who are treating housing as a business are treated and taxed accordingly for that use.”
