If you haven’t heard of Burnaby Community Services, it’s likely because you have a comfortable life.
That’s because this organization helps people (9,614 in 2018) in need through a number of programs, from seniors transportation to the Christmas Bureau.
I follow the @BbyServices Twitter account and it had quite the list on Tuesday.
They gathered up data from a rental housing map published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. In the map, it included the hourly wage a person would need to earn in order to afford to rent a two-bedroom apartment in five different Burnaby neighbourhoods. They also included how many hours a person would have to work at minimum wage to afford the same apartment.
The numbers are shocking:
“Renters in Edmonds #Burnabyhave to earn $28.12/hr to afford a 2-bdrm apartment, or work 89 hrs/wk at minimum wage.”
“Renters in Southeast #BurnabySouth have to earn $33.29/hr to afford a 2-bdrm apartment, or work 105 hrs/wk at minimum wage.”
“Renters in Metrotown #Burnabyhave to earn $31.72/hr to afford a 2-bdrm apartment, or work 100 hrs/wk at minimum wage.”
“Renters in University/Lougheed #Burnabyhave to earn $38.80/hr to afford a 2-bdrm apartment, or work 123hrs/wk at minimum wage.”
“Renters in Capital Hill/Brentwood #Burnabyhave to earn $32.49/hr to afford a 2-bdrm apartment, or work 103hrs/wk at minimum wage.”
Look, I know these aren’t exactly surprising numbers, but when you see them all listed together it’s amazing anyone can afford to rent in Burnaby.
It’s also disgusting to see how far away our minimum wage is from being a living wage.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
