Dear Editor,
Recently PM Mark Carney and Premier David Eby decided to buy empty condos to assist with the shortage of housing.
At first glance, seems like maybe a good idea. But, then stopping to consider the full picture – maybe not.
What makes these condos difficult to sell? Are they not family orientated, unsuitable for a childless couple, or empty nesters?
Sounds like they are buying them sight unseen. What do they plan on charging for rent? Are we subsidizing these renters along with possibly paying more taxes to buy these condos?
It sounds like a win-win for developers, who in this case are nothing short of corporate welfare recipients on the taxpayers’ dime.
How can B.C. afford these condos, when Eby shut down hospital, care homes, and other building projects in May laying off 17,000 workers?
Are these condos rent to own or forever renters?
Our neighbours to the South have a Republican administration that is in the process of passing a bill so they can purchase one per cent of residential homes in order to repurpose them into rentals.
Governments that are totalitarian, autocratic, sponsored by oligarchs, into neoliberalism, too left or too right can become a nightmare for a renter. The system now is straight forward – you don’t like your landlord then you move but what happens if the landlord has become the government?
Beware our mayor and council with their lofty and very expensive plans (over $300-million dollar projects) for recreational facilities.
RELATED: Maple Ridge voters will decide the $393-million question
Mayor and council should be advocating for infrastructure. We need more schools and a larger modern educational hospital like the Royal Columbian or Abbotsford hospitals.
I’m not against progress as long as it takes into account the community, environmental issues, and fiscal responsibility. I am concerned about the initial price tag and future maintenance costs.
We need solid significant businesses brought into Maple Ridge that will offset the taxes the residents are overburdened with annually.
Until that is achieved someone has to pay for this – that would be you and me.
Will constant increases in taxes cause people – young families, couples, seniors to be taxed out of their homes – and then what? Forever renters?
Is this the beginning of the demise of homeownership?
Elections have consequences and voting matters.
Please take the time to learn about the candidates, and their ideology and most importantly vote in every election.
Marie Robson, Maple Ridge