Tracy Sherlock, Richmond News, July 23, 2022 (includes information on survey conducted for BCNPHA)
Housing, homelessness and poverty are the top issues on voters’ minds going into fall’s civic election season in British Columbia, a new poll by Research Co. has found.
Anyone who has been in the market for a new home in Metro Vancouver recently can certainly relate to this. Rents are sky-high ($1,800 a month for a one-bedroom, $2,400 for a two-bedroom, according to liv.rent) and home purchase prices have surged over the pandemic. Those increases may be slowing now as the economy slows, but interest rates are going up, which increases the cost for anyone who needs a mortgage.
Housing concerns and poverty were the number one issues across all genders, ages and demographics, the poll found.
“The need is great, and the research shows that voters will be prioritizing candidates that will commit to taking concrete action to address local housing needs,” said Mario Canseco of Research Co.