Rental housing im short supply More than 400 on waiting list AFFORDABLE RENTAL housing is in short supply, according to the managers of non-profit rental housing in British Columbia. Contrary.{o recent public statements regarding high vacancy rates in Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) rental housing, these groups have not expe- ‘rienced a similar problem. In fact, members of the B.C. ‘Non-Profit Housing Associa- tion (BCNPHA) say they have extremely long waiting lists and receive daily pleas for help from low-income _househoids. “We just cannot meet the demand for afferdabie rental housing,” stated Roxann MacDonald of 43 Housing Society. The group manages 145 units of non-profit rental -housing in the Tri-Cities (Post: Coquitlam, Port Moody, Coquitlam) area. “Qur waiting list has over 400 families ‘on it, and we anticipate many of those ay 7 People will be waiting sever- “al years for accommodation in one of our buildings,” she said, The 1991 Statistics Canada census. shows that over 41% of the renter . households in the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area ‘The da pay more than 30% of their income for rent. Typically, 30% is considered the level beyond which shelter costs become unaffordable. Bob Nicklin, president of the BCNPHA, pointed out the significance of this sta- tistic, “Forty-one per cent of renters equates to over 100,000 houseiiolds in need in the Lower Mainland. This is consistent with the reports we receive from our mem- bers about the difficulty meeting the shelter needs of families,” Nicklin said. “The media coverage _ suggests the GVRD is con- sidering selling their 3,200 units to private enterprise. We sincerely hope that they will not take any action which wouid remove this valuable stock from the sup- ply of affordable rental housing.” The Lower Mainland has been attracting about 60,000 new residents each year, and . the population is predicted to ‘grow at a similar rate for many years to come. As the demand continues to grow, the BCNPHA will continue to lobby all levels of government for assistance in delivering more afford- able rental housing. ° ae Rozas ~ TONYeNe TERESA 983-2518 | i 1ST NARROWS REALTY HES OP ICR SE... ne EWS phate Bite Wakarield DUCKS ENJOY the still waters off Horseahse Bay during a warm West Coast evening. Renovation planning to be discussed WITH $1.3 billion expected to be spent on home renova- tion in the Greater Vancouver area in 1994, it was nat tco surprising that 7,200 home- owners turned up Sunday at the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Parade ° ‘of Renovation at 11 sites throughout the Lower Mainland, “Many of the people who toured the homes were con- templating renovating their homes and they wanted to get an idea of what other home- owners had done to improve their living environment,” said Darcy Reay, co-chair- man of the GVHBA Reno- vation Council. “It is important that home- owners research their renova- tion options thoroughly: before proceeding with suck a major investment.” Ensuring a successful ron- ovation will be the focus of a GVHBA consumer seminar at the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board offices from 9 am, to 4:30 p.m. on Satuzday, May 28. A panel of experts will offer advice on: choosing a professional renovator, municipal requirements, financial‘ and legal considera- tions, trouble-shooting tech- nical problems, and steps to avoid raisadventures, Teamed up with GVHBA 983-2518 to present this informative one-day event, are: B.C.” Hycro, B.C. Gas, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., Natural Resources Canada, Mortgage and Investment Association. and. the. Vancouver Sun The cost is $55 per person - “(GST included) or $95 per couple which ‘includes lunch, coffee, and all materials...” Pre-registration is‘a must. To register, call 590: 5256. : “NO GIMMICKS - JUST HONEST. HARD WORK" WELL, WELL, WELL! Well-located, well-built and woll maintained. This solid spiit-level home .is.just waiting fo one happy family - 3 bdrms., baths, rec room down, oak floors, close to Ross Road Elem: school. The kids will love playing in the big backyard with big traes Goocr HOME G00 NEIGH BORS, 9 =: — 2616 KILMARNOCK CRES. BEAT THE - RENT RACE Invest in a 1 bedroom & ; condo- “move in condition. : Top floor, sec. parking, # {additional storage & close to transportation, school & shopping. Why read & dream, call us now. ; BE CHOOSEY! . * A This like new 1 bdrm. condo is not jus! another ordinary apt. - great southeast view, 1 lots of closet & space, tennis court, work out room. The suite was completely updated 2 yrs. ago - appliances, y carpet, tile floor. Call to view. #1202-110 W. 4 St, ‘TERRY ANDERSON 983-2518 Re/max Presidents’ Club REALTORS © ist Narrows Reaity #5 WILSON 983-2518 Ds 1st NARROWS < —— 1991Lonsdale. | ie GREAT LOCATION | . WEST FACING VIEWTO 319 BAYVIEW PLACE DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER LIONS BAY : _ Stunning West Coast “B.yr. old 4 bdrm., 3. bath contemporary. The | features include a modern open kitchen, with. adjoining . family room, 4 bedrooms, 1.1/2 baths. The Hot -iub is located. off the master bedroom on cne.of.’ the. two. ocean view/decks. Tha backyard is: level and Suitable for kids, _ TERRY ANDERSON 983-2518 home. 2499 sq.ft; 2 wood F/P, 2 car garage, 65x125 lot. Sunny -. child - safe backyard. Possible. Suite down. : 230 ROCHE POINT Da. CALL. GRANT TO VIEW, 983-2518. :