a new survey suggests<\/a>.<\/p>\nJust 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\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n
And of those who view government actions as at least somewhat effective, only 2 percent say affordability has improved \u201ca lot,\u201d versus 24 percent who say \u201ca little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
The Urban Development Institute commissioned the Ipsos poll, which was conducted from May 7th and 15th and published yesterday.<\/p>\n
Some 35 percent perceive no change and another 35 percent actually say government intervention has managed to make things worse.<\/p>\n
Of those who say affordability has eroded under policymakers\u2019 watch, 21 say matters are \u201ca lot\u201d worse while 14 percent say \u201ca little.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNew taxes, fees and red tape on homebuilders\u201d have only cost homeowners and renters more, 74 of respondents conclude.<\/p>\n
BC residents also expressed views on what they say levels of government should be focusing on instead.<\/p>\n
Respondents were most enthusiastic about allowing an increased diversity of housing types near transit stations or hubs, with 80 percent voicing support.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
As well, 68 percent say municipal governments should do more to spur the construction of new rental units.<\/p>\n
A desire for increased housing supply shouldn\u2019t be surprising as 74 percent attribute high home prices and rent to a dearth of options.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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