Editor:
Seniors who live on the Sunshine Coast, but still maintain a small apartment in Vancouver, are going to be badly stung by the new City of Vancouver bylaw that taxes “vacant” housing (defined as being used less that 180 days a year) at one per cent of their appraised value annually. There are a number of legitimate reasons why seniors may continue to have a small Vancouver presence, including family, illness, specialist treatments, etc. In downsizing, many of us have passed on significant equity already to allow our children to find city housing. We are beginning to mobilize against this punitive, indiscriminate application of the bylaw, meant to curb real estate speculation. Our inaugural meeting was held on March 8. Mobilizing may take a number of forms, from presentation to the mayor, to public protest to enhance awareness, to looking at legal recourse. If you are one of many such seniors, and want to participate, contact me at [email protected].
Rainer Borkenhagen, Gibsons
