For Council meeting on Nov 26 re: Rental Incentives Review

Sent via Council online form @ 7:15 pm

@kennedystewart @rebeccaleebligh @christineeboyle @AdrianeCarr @MelissaDeGenova @LisaDominato @PtFry @CllrHardwick @sarahkirby_yung @JeanSwanson_ @councillorwiebe

#vanre THREAD https://twitter.com/fumano/status/1197921622159773697

My family has lived in Chinatown & East Vancouver for five generations. I’m deeply concerned that the proposed market-rate rental zoning changes will risk displacing low-income, majority-racialized (visible minority) neighbourhoods in East & South-East Vancouver. #vanre

By allowing market-rate rental density in East & SE Vancouver, the balance of a neighbourhood's composition will shift towards higher-income (above median) households, and the businesses & services catering to them. #vanre

As higher-income people are attracted to the area, there will be more pressure on housing for lower-income people (below median), culturally-appropriate businesses & services. They are at a higher risk of being displaced from their homes as landlords sell for more profit. #vanre

There is growing evidence with warnings that market-rate density will displace lower-income residents. A recent New Yorker article “The Plight of the Urban Planner” by N. Saval is just one article of many. #vanre https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/the-plight-of-the-urban-planner

There are communities throughout Vancouver with lasting legacies whose voices deserve to be heard. I urge you to reject blanket market-rate zoning policies, and to respect the rights of low-income people to determine the policies that impact their communities. /end #vanre