Affordable Housing Matters in BC: Voices of Change

Affordable housing in British Columbia is a significant challenge, and finding a decent affordable home can be a daily struggle. To shed light on the issue, our host Sherry Soltani sat down with Bonita Zarrillo, Member of Parliament for Port Moody – Coquitlam, She shared her perspective on the measures and policies aimed at addressing this pressing problem. Zarrillo emphasized the critical nature of the housing crisis in BC, with homelessness and housing scarcity on the rise.

She commended the BC government for its proactive approach, including the use of the Empty Homes Tax and regulations on short-term rentals. These local measures aim to ease the crisis. She also acknowledged the historical federal role in affordable housing and mentioned recent initiatives, such as removing the GST on purpose-built rentals, aimed at fostering the development of affordable rental units.

Zarrillo advocated for a federal fund to retain affordable housing, considering the loss of subsidized rental housing. Addressing concerns about rent increases, Zarrillo pointed to federal rental housing top-ups for low-income renters and stressed the need for continued policies like the Empty Homes Tax to discourage housing speculation. Regarding sustainability, Zarrillo discussed the importance of building affordable housing that is environmentally friendly and accessible. She called for collaboration between federal and provincial building codes to ensure housing is resilient, sustainable, and disability-friendly.

Zarrillo highlighted the challenges faced by low-income families, seniors, vulnerable populations, and young people. She urged the federal government to protect affordable housing units, address income disparities, and protect gig economy workers. She emphasized the importance of unions in advocating for fair wages and pensions to support seniors' ability to afford good homes.

Empty or unused properties in British Columbia present a complex challenge, with the need for strategies to make more affordable homes available. According to Bonita Zarrillo, the Canadian government lacks data on the number of empty homes, highlighting the need for further exploration and data collection. In BC, the provincial government has implemented an empty homes tax, showing success in bringing unused properties into the housing supply. Moreover, they are examining short-term rentals as a potential source of long-term rental housing.

Zarrillo emphasizes the importance of the federal government re-entering the affordable housing market to provide stable, purpose-built rental units. She points out that market-driven approaches prioritize profit over affordability and have led to the displacement of long-term residents.

Zarrillo appreciates the community's support and highlights the importance of income support to ensure individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to, such as the disability tax credit.

The interview revealed the multifaceted approach required at both provincial and federal levels to address the complex issue of affordable housing in BC, emphasizing the need for collaboration and continuous effort to provide accessible and sustainable housing for all.

Guest: Bonita Zarrillo, Member of Parliament for Port Moody – Coquitlam

Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society