Demovictions getting blame for dearth of affordable units for refugees
Posted September 1, 2016 10:26 pm.
Last Updated September 1, 2016 11:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DELTA (NEWS 1130) – A group sponsoring a refugee family says it’s having a tough time finding them a home in Delta or Surrey.
They’re blaming the so-called “demovictions” in Burnaby.
The refugee committee at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church near Scott Road and Nordell Way wants its new family to be close to the church – to offer up the maximum amount of support.
The problem is, says chair Colleen Burnell, affordable rentals are drying up, thanks to tenants being displaced in Burnaby.
“There are vacant apartments listed but there is also a great demand,” says Burnell.
“A lot of the low-rental apartments are being torn down and so people are looking for places to go across the Fraser River. They’re hoping the rents will be a little cheaper than in Burnaby.”
And to add to the challenge, the new family could include three children and a grandmother – which means a one bedroom apartment won’t suffice.
The group would be responsible for paying the rent for the family for one year.
