To the editor,
Municipalities can resolve the housing crisis simply by zoning smaller one-fifth-sized building lots starting at $60,000 (or one-quarter sized for $75,000, and so on).
Unfortunately, renting is not a secure housing option as rents continually rise, and good standing, long-term tenants can ultimately be evicted.
We need to construct homes that truly fit a person’s earned income instead of building $1,500 one-bedroom rentals and declaring them as ‘affordable.’
If a basic building cost of $275 per square foot is assumed, a full-time minimum wage earner (at 30-per cent debt ratio) can own their own 150-square-foot small home with a fenced yard and single vehicle driveway for 60 per cent less than the cost of an average basement rental suite. A $25-per-hour earner can own a 320 square foot home, and so on (based on mid-Vancouver Island $300,000 lot prices).
Jason Jonker-Harms, Nanaimo
READ ALSO: Housing affordability crisis requires ‘all hands on deck’ response, says CMHC
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press Media or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Letters policy: Letters should be no longer than 250 words and will be edited. Preference is given to letters expressing an opinion on issues of local relevance or responding to items published in the News Bulletin. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters sent to the News Bulletin may also be published in the Ladysmith Chronicle.
Mail: Letters, Nanaimo News Bulletin, 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7
Fax: 250-753-0788
E-mail: editor@nanaimobulletin.com