COPE pitches proposal to end ‘renovictions’
Coalition of Progressive Electors mayoral candidate Meena Wong says she has a plan to put an end to so-called “renovictions” where landlords evict tenants under the guise of renovating buildings and then jack up the rent.
“Under the current system, a rent hike is like a prize a landlord gets for evicting a tenant,” said Wong in a prepared statement. “COPE will remove the incentive for landlords to try to evict tenants, especially for minor or cosmetic repairs.”
COPE proposes adding a condition to renovation permits that would guarantee renters would be able to move back in at the same rent they were paying before any renovations. They would also require landlords to provide proof that vacating the premises is necessary and that renovations are n’t merely cosmetic, as well as pay for tenants’ moving and temporary accommodation expenses.
According to the Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book, the average apartment rent across the city increased by 30 per cent in the past 10 years, from $821 to $1, 067, an average of three per cent per year.
During the same period, the average wage increased by 25 per cent, or 2.5 per cent per year, meaning wage increases haven’t kept up with rent increases or the general price of inflation.
John Oliver to host all-candidates meeting
Affordable housing has been a focus of discussion in the lead up to the civic election, Nov. 15, but what do wannabe Vancouver School Board trustees have to say about education? Parents can find out this Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council’s school trustee candidates forum. Representatives from six parties will introduce their platforms, nominees will be asked critical questions and attendees can pose their own questions near the end. The forum will also include contenders that are running independently and submitted information about each candidate will be distributed.
DPAC has invited VSB superintendent Steve Cardwell, three associate superintendents, secretary-treasurer Rick Krowchuk and VSB community engagement and public relations staff to attend. The forum runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the auditorium of John Oliver Secondary school, at 530 East 41st Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and childcare will be provided.
Greens call for grass
Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr is urging the City of Vancouver to create a “level playing field for women” and provide real grass for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup games.
Carr submitted a motion on Monday for the Oct. 28 council meeting that the city provide a grass field for the six games and final match of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup games — projected to be the world’s largest women’s sporting event ever.
“I believe it’s critical that Vancouver provides natural grass, not artificial turf, as a point of safety and equity for women players,” says Carr, who has been working on the issue with Carrie Serwetnyk, the founder of Equal Play and the first female inductee into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. “It’s such a double standard that men are not asked to play on artificial turf because it’s known to have a higher risk for injuries and health issues, but women are.”
Although the Whitecaps play on artificial turf, most men’s premier soccer teams refuse to play on it because it is considered more dangerous.
Carr says the cost of using real grass, estimated at $250,000, should be covered by the B.C. government and PavCo, the owners of BC Place. Otherwise, the city could use funds from the capital budget and look into whether the grass can be re-used after the tournament for Vancouver playing fields in need of new grass.
