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Housing Q&A: Rick McGowan, B.C. Greens

The Burnaby NOW sent the following five questions on housing to each of the Burnaby candidates. Candidates were asked to answer each question in 50 words or less. Here are the answers from Rick McGowan, running for the B.C.
Burnaby Now

The Burnaby NOW sent the following five questions on housing to each of the Burnaby candidates.

 

Candidates were asked to answer each question in 50 words or less. 

 

Here are the answers from Rick McGowan, running for the B.C. Green Party in Burnaby-Deer Lake.

 

 

1. What city do you live in, and what neighbourhood in that city?
 
I am a resident of Burnaby. Specifically, I live in the Metrotown Regional City Centre.
 
 
2. Do you rent or own your own home?
 
My spouse and I along with the bank own a three bedroom condo . 
 
 
3. If you own a home, when did you buy it? How has the current housing market situation impacted you?
 
We bought our current home about three years ago. When we bought it, we felt the pressure to offer a premium to ensure we were not outbid. We wanted to stay in the neighbourhood, but there were limited numbers of 3 bedrooms 
 
 
4. If you rent, or have another housing arrangement, how has the current housing market situation impacted you?
 
Renters face a lot of stress in the current market. Families and people with pets tend to search longer. In my neighbourhood, when a renter is demovicted, they are searching in a tight market. Landlords force the tenants into short term leases, which allow landlords to raise rents above 2 percent plus co 
 
 
5. If there is one single policy that the next provincial government can enact to address a housing need, what would that policy be? Be specific.
 
While my opponents have adopted the narrative that the key to affordability is to increase supply,  I believe it is speculative demand that has driven up housing prices. I am proud of the Green plan to build 4000 units of affordable homes. I am also proud of measures to curb speculation.