Our current issue focus intends to provide an in-depth look at problems associated with housing in British Columbia. With the five following articles we hope to provide a perspective on the issue of housing in BC from the point of view of writers that belong to a younger generation of Canadians who are impacted by the current housing crisis. While the majority of the articles focus on the negative aspects of housing in BC, the overall message is one of hope as we look at solutions to the issues.
The BC Government Does Not Seriously Intend to Tackle Short-Term Rentals
Alex Lambert examines the new short term rental legislation policy the BC government is implementing to address the housing crisis in his article. The Residential Tenancy Act provides considerable protection for renters in BC but not every renter is covered under the Act;
Who Is Not Protected under the BC Residential Tenancy Act?
Liz Halfdanardottir’s article shows how first-time renters, like students, are particularly vulnerable when it comes to housing and how the Residential Tenancy Act can be expanded to protect them.
Power to the Non-Profits: The City of Victoria’s Response to the Homelessness Crisis
Nicholas McGregor assesses the effectiveness of the City of Victoria’s response to rising rates of homelessness caused by the housing crisis.
What BC Is Doing about the Housing Crisis?
What BC Is Doing about the Housing Crisis? Outlines the strategies BC is currently implementing to assist people to access affordable housing is detailed in Brian Whitman’s article.
Rise in Domestic Violence Associated with an Increase Housing Costs
Olivia Larsen, looks at the ramifications of the housing crisis in the domestic sphere. Specifically, how this crisis impacts vulnerable communities, and enables the abuse of women and children.