Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
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A big problem with the rental market here is airbnb. Units that could go towards long term rentals, are being used as short term rental, further diluting the supply from the open market. Airbnb is basically illegal in Vancouver, unless you have a hotel and/or bed and breakfast license. Many stratas are redundantly prohibiting short term rentals in their bylaws. Unfortunately, these aren't being policed very well.
Another problem is the NIMBY crowd. The solution to cheaper housing and rentals, is to increase density, and thus the supply of both. Too many times in Vancouver people are crying over the prices of houses. These are the same people that don't want to live in a condo/townhome, and don't want towers in their neighborhood. There have been many towers that have been delayed, or outright cancelled, because residents in the neighbourhoods stop them. Then they go to the papers and say how they can't afford to live here. You can't have it both ways, people.
I would like to see more houses both up, and replaced with increased density. When this happens, there will also need to be increased infrastructure and transit to get the people around. People need to travel on transit, cycle, or walk more than they drive. This will reduce traffic, and make it more efficient.