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Horgan says improved housing options for his top focus in B.C.’s next budget

November 30 2017 09:00 AM

VICTORIA – Premier John Horgan says providing more affordable housing is his top priority and will be a prominent feature in February's budget.

Horgan says housing was the major issue in last spring's provincial election and data released this week from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. indicates little has changed, with near zero rental vacancy rates across British Columbia.

He says the lack of rental units and family homes hurts the economy because people will not move to a new city if there are no places to live, no matter how solid the job offer.

Horgan says the government's budget will include initiatives to increase the supply of two- and three-bedroom units.

The NDP has promised to build 114,000 new rental, non-profit and co-op housing units over a 10-year period.

The CMHC says rental vacancy rates in cities in B.C. are among the lowest in Canada and the province has the highest monthly rents.

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Taylor Rae

Before university, Taylor spent a year abroad living in Thailand which encouraged her to finish her degree studying in Turkey, both experiences have made her an avid traveller. Taylor graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a degree in Communications and Public Relations. Although born on the coast, Taylor has lived the majority of her life in Kamloops and enjoys what the region has to offer. In her spare time, you can find Taylor volunteering in the community or out on an adventure with her friends and her dogs.