Is affordable housing a core priority for Ken Sim and ABC?
VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories) — OneCity Vancouver today challenged Ken Sim and ABC Vancouver to commit to ending the apartment ban, which locks renters and workers out of exclusive Vancouver neighbourhoods.
They further challenged the party to promise not to cut a single cent of the city’s budget allocated to affordable housing.
“We believe in a city that you can afford,” said Christine Boyle, City Councillor, OneCity Vancouver. “But we haven’t seen a serious housing plan from either ABC or TEAM. Is housing a priority for them? Voters deserve to know.”
When ABC Vancouver councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung asked staff to account for so-called “non-core spending”, she was informed that of a total of $219 million, $168 million - or 75% - is dedicated to affordable housing.
“ABC and TEAM talk at length about cutting non-core spending. But the fact is, that money is being spent on affordable housing,” Boyle continued. “Vancouver voters deserve to know whether housing is a core priority for either Ken Sim or Colleen Hardwick.”
OneCity Vancouver released its commitment to end the apartment ban on September 6, receiving accolades from experts and decision-makers across the city and province. The platform also includes extremely strong tenant protections, and a Tenant Advocacy Office to protect renters against unjust evictions.
The housing platform can be viewed on YouBelongYVR.ca. Early voting starts Oct 1st. Election day is October 15.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OneCity Vancouver communications committee