Photo: Tony Kent/Flickr
This probably isn’t the response BC policymakers were hoping for.
Most BC residents aren’t impressed with government efforts to address housing affordability issues through new policies, a new survey suggests.
Just 26 percent of British Columbians agree municipal and provincial governments have improved housing affordability, according to a poll of 1,001 adults aged 18 and over in the province, including 301 living within the City of Vancouver’s borders.
And of those who view government actions as at least somewhat effective, only 2 percent say affordability has improved “a lot,” versus 24 percent who say “a little.”
The Urban Development Institute commissioned the Ipsos poll, which was conducted from May 7th and 15th and published yesterday.
Some 35 percent perceive no change and another 35 percent actually say government intervention has managed to make things worse.
Of those who say affordability has eroded under policymakers’ watch, 21 say matters are “a lot” worse while 14 percent say “a little.”
“New taxes, fees and red tape on homebuilders” have only cost homeowners and renters more, 74 of respondents conclude.
BC residents also expressed views on what they say levels of government should be focusing on instead.
Respondents were most enthusiastic about allowing an increased diversity of housing types near transit stations or hubs, with 80 percent voicing support.
And 75 percent would like to see this happen in traditionally single-family neighbourhoods, where it has been difficult if not impossible to get denser housing built.
As well, 68 percent say municipal governments should do more to spur the construction of new rental units.
A desire for increased housing supply shouldn’t be surprising as 74 percent attribute high home prices and rent to a dearth of options.
The poll results come after a separate study found that detached homes in Vancouver are only affordable to the top 1 percent of households by income.
