Immigration only one factor in spiralling home Dear Editor: 1 found Mr. Wright's article in the Nov. 3 issue with regard to Hong Kong ‘“‘boltholers’’ very interest- ing indeed. Freedom of the press makes it perfectly legal for Mr. Wright to express his opinion. Unfortunately, there is no requirement for reporters to express facts, just opinions. It is estimated that 5,000 Hong Kong immigrants will move to Canada in 1989. If 50 per cent of these immigrants remain in B.C. this will account for 2,500 of the estimated 55,000 people moving to B.C. this year. Approximately five per cent. 1 would suggest that the major factor pushing Lower Mainland prices through the roof is the ex- tremely buoyant B.C. economy. This is much the same scenario as Ontario experienced and the pressure on Toronto area home prices over the past few years. Young people and young families can afford to buy houses, the question is where. When we moved.to North Vancouver in 1958 it was because my parents cost equation could not afford to buy a house on the west side where they had been raised. It was tuo expensive. As the Lower Mainland continues to grow we must go further afield to find affordable housing. This is nothing new. As for your ‘‘boltholers’’ and banning the sale of residential properties to absentee home owners —~ why? Lots of B.C. residents buy in Hawaii and Palm Springs as ‘‘boltholers.’” As well, the ‘‘boltholers’’ are giving us a supply of rental housing that we so desperately need at the moment. Many factors affect the price of housing, one of which is immigration. If you feel it is so important to our future to bring the price of housing under control, slow the economy down, put people out of work and take the demand away. The result of this would be young people out of work unable to pay rent, let alone a motigage. Mike Wintemute North Vancouver Travel writer should be specific Personal Injury Ardagh Hunter Turmer Barristers & Soliciters #300-1401 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver 986-4366 Free Initial Consultation \3 ‘x Goo 988-6321 Kenneth J. Baxter Lawyer 310 - 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver Gust south of the market — next to the Seabus) Lonsdale Quay Plaza GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TFBILLS = 12.10% (* 3 month rate subject) ASK US ABOUT OUR NO FEE RRSP 7 - Sunday, January 7, 199) - North Shore News Dear Editor: Barbara McCreadie should be more specific in her Dec. 10 article Be a perfect European guest. To carelessly categorize all European countries under one price level is ridiculous. Is she im- plying that the cost of living in Norway is the same as that of Por- tugal? Anyone who has vacationed in Europe would know that her statement about a modest restau- rant costing at least $100 per head is totally inaccurate; $20 would be nearer the mark. Other remarks are just as ir- responsible. From the top to the bottom of Europe prices vary enormously and you can pay vastly different amounts for the same service in different countries. To lump them together gives an unfair picture. This is not the first time that Barbara has written articles on Europe in this manner. In future she should be more specific, giving names of countries, places, etc. in- stead of writing in such a detri- mental fashion and frightening off inexperienced travellers from visiting an exciting and beautiful continent. Colin Spence North Vancouver CALL ROD CLARK 669-6262 WALWYN STODGELL COCHRAN MURRAY LTD. BY S. LAURSEN CUSTOM DRAPERIES WIS PLUS 15580812 (a) MS (OGL xa] 1484 RUPERT STREET ome NORTH VANCOUVER mim We stock most tire brands: Pirelll ¢ Michetin + BF Goodrich ¢ Sumitomo « And more pt | 986-8473 gama—Aa oOmnc * Best prices in town * Many instore specials m LT. TRUCKS & VANS un 8.75 R165 31210.50 RIS 235/05R 16 $144.19 $148.99 $138.99 LAREDO S/R UNIROYAL TRUCK 21S/75A1S/6 235/85R16/8 Mm 31/10.50A15/6 SYLVAN ¥ Richmond 273-3266 AND VALANCES Labour $6.50 per panel unlined, $7.50 lined. CUSTOM BEDSPREADS AND COVERS Low, low prices on blinds and tracks For FREE Estimates Call 987-2966 Serving the North Shore for 18 years. WILE. Take positive action to Ip your child or teen make this year a suctess. Sylvan we specialize in bringing out a student’s full TR RANMES potential. We test in order to pinpoint the specific areas in which your child needs help. Reading And we attack the problem with an in- dividually designed program. Positive Math motivation, friendly encouragement, an experience of suc- cess right from the siygy skits start and in- dividualized atten- Algebra tion makes all the difference. Helping kids do better North Shore 985-6811 Writing Sylvan Learning Centre: ©1989 Sylvan Learning Corporation Coquitlam 947-9166 f