A memorandum was received from the
City Clerk advising that Council, at the Open Council meeting held on 2016
June 20 under the New Business portion, referred the above noted item of
correspondence to the Committee for response.
The correspondence was received from
Ms. Annie Liu, a Burnaby student, outlining her concerns and proposed
solutions regarding affordable housing in Burnaby. The writer advised that
housing costs are a constant topic of discussion in her home. Ms. Liu,
through a school project, learned that a person earning $20.00 per hour would
need to save for 100 years to afford an apartment in the Lower Mainland.
The writer suggested that a tax be
instituted on homes purchased for investment purposes and the funds used for
community benefits and environmental initiatives.
In conclusion, the writer requested
that government continue to welcome foreign investment but still ensure
affordable housing for Canadian citizens.
Arising from discussion, the
following motion was introduced:
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON
SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR DHALIWAL
THAT staff respond to Ms. Liu and
forward a copy of her letter to Burnaby’s MPs, MLAs, Minister Rich Coleman,
Minister Fassbender and Mr. David Eby, NDP MLA and Official Opposition
spokesperson.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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