Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Please sign this petition is you agree with the following statement:
The current housing situation* on Bowen Island does not meet the needs of the community**.
Notes:
*Current housing situation: a lack of affordable and diverse housing types.
Affordable is define as: 30% or less of your gross income. (i.e. for someone on minimum wages, this is $564/month or less)
Diverse is defined as: a variety of tenure types (rental, ownership, co-op, leasehold, etc.) and a variety of housing types (apartments, townhouse, duplex, etc.) to "meet the needs of long term residents, young families, seniors, those with special needs and those employed on the island” (OCP Policy 358)
** Needs of the Community:
Official Community Plan (OCP) Objective 148: To remain a diverse community that is a welcoming home to residents of varying incomes, lifestyles and ages.
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Updates
October 25, 2016
Seeing this kind of momentum confirms that so many of my neighbors are feeling the exact same strain I feel every single day. This response proves we are not just asking for change but demanding a place where our families and friends can actually afford to live.
30 Comments
I have never seen fewer rental properties available on Bowen. Air BnB has virtually taken over most viable rental suites and homes. Legislation against this is taking hold in the U.S. and it's time we did the same. Without accommodation, individuals and families are having to leave a community they love. This is simply morally wrong. We need our Municipal government to act now (and NOT years from now).
So glad someone is exposing the real 'numbers' here. Example: At The Ruddy - where most of us shop nearly every day, YOUR cashier, deli-worker & shelf stocker makes MINIMUM wage. (Incremental increases of .25 cents). So yes: if you want to have your nice things, then try to wrap your head around what is affordable for the people (many) that serve you. Thank you.
We live with the knowledge everyday that our 'home' is not our own and we could have to leave the island on very short notice. There is no sense of security, even for a child to finish a school year. Home should be the place you feel secure. When it isnt it causes intense stress and turmoil.
I had to move off Bowen Island for three months due to lack of affordable housing, in total the cost to move twice and store items I no longer have room for is creeping near ten grand. If you haven't lived on Bowen and don't have a large network of friends on Bowen it can be next to impossible to even find any rental much less a suitable one. I was very fortunate to find a place before the School Year started.
We get 31 applications for each rental vacancy, and dozens of unsolicited interest each month. The island needs more rental housing of all kinds.
The situation is critical, the need growing. Do we want to make Bowen into a retreat for the wealthy? We are in need of services and people who can afford to live here.
Humans are a "species" too and have a right to habitat.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Please sign this petition is you agree with the following statement:
The current housing situation* on Bowen Island does not meet the needs of the community**.
Notes:
*Current housing situation: a lack of affordable and diverse housing types.
Affordable is define as: 30% or less of your gross income. (i.e. for someone on minimum wages, this is $564/month or less)
Diverse is defined as: a variety of tenure types (rental, ownership, co-op, leasehold, etc.) and a variety of housing types (apartments, townhouse, duplex, etc.) to "meet the needs of long term residents, young families, seniors, those with special needs and those employed on the island” (OCP Policy 358)
** Needs of the Community:
Official Community Plan (OCP) Objective 148: To remain a diverse community that is a welcoming home to residents of varying incomes, lifestyles and ages.
Updates
October 25, 2016
Seeing this kind of momentum confirms that so many of my neighbors are feeling the exact same strain I feel every single day. This response proves we are not just asking for change but demanding a place where our families and friends can actually afford to live.
30 Comments
At the Economic Development Session with 65 business owners/managers, employee rental housing was top of mind for everyone!
I have never seen fewer rental properties available on Bowen. Air BnB has virtually taken over most viable rental suites and homes. Legislation against this is taking hold in the U.S. and it's time we did the same. Without accommodation, individuals and families are having to leave a community they love. This is simply morally wrong. We need our Municipal government to act now (and NOT years from now).
So glad someone is exposing the real 'numbers' here. Example: At The Ruddy - where most of us shop nearly every day, YOUR cashier, deli-worker & shelf stocker makes MINIMUM wage. (Incremental increases of .25 cents). So yes: if you want to have your nice things, then try to wrap your head around what is affordable for the people (many) that serve you. Thank you.
We live with the knowledge everyday that our 'home' is not our own and we could have to leave the island on very short notice. There is no sense of security, even for a child to finish a school year. Home should be the place you feel secure. When it isnt it causes intense stress and turmoil.
I had to move off Bowen Island for three months due to lack of affordable housing, in total the cost to move twice and store items I no longer have room for is creeping near ten grand. If you haven't lived on Bowen and don't have a large network of friends on Bowen it can be next to impossible to even find any rental much less a suitable one. I was very fortunate to find a place before the School Year started.
We get 31 applications for each rental vacancy, and dozens of unsolicited interest each month. The island needs more rental housing of all kinds.
The situation is critical, the need growing. Do we want to make Bowen into a retreat for the wealthy? We are in need of services and people who can afford to live here.
Humans are a "species" too and have a right to habitat.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
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At the Economic Development Session with 65 business owners/managers, employee rental housing was top of mind for everyone!