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Nearly Half Of Vancouver Residents Consider Moving Due To Affordability

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Photo: Doug Farmer / 604 Now Flickr Pool

A recent poll conducted by the Canadian Payroll Association found that half of BC employees (49%) live pay cheque to pay cheque. Now, another study suggests that Vancouver residents are strongly considering leaving the city due to lack of affordability.

A survey called VoteLocal, conducted by the Vancouver Board of Trade, found that, “with just six weeks to go until civic elections take place in communities across Metro Vancouver, almost half the region’s residents and over a third of its businesses say they have recently considered moving away from the region due to affordability concerns.”

RELATED: Study Ranks Vancouver The Unhappiest City In Canada

What’s more, a clear majority of residents (67%), businesses (75%), and political candidates (82%) believe quality of life and affordability in the region have declined in the last five years. What’s more, these respondents feel that the situation will get worse.

Politicians, on the other hand, feel the situation will improve. With that being said, they do not feel municipal governments have a great deal of control over the situation.

Vancouver Residents

“Metro Vancouver has long enjoyed a reputation for excellent quality of life, but residents and businesses seem to be falling out of love with the place we call home,” said Anna Lilly, Senior Vice President and Partner with FleishmanHillard HighRoad.

“Our survey suggests that affordable housing, the pace of growth and development, and transportation are likely to dominate discussion in the lead up to October 20th, and while voters want action on housing, many are concerned about overdevelopment in their communities.”

Among those surveyed, affordable housing was the biggest concern. With the worst housing market the nation has ever seen, it comes as little surprise.

The complete report is available at http://votelocalbc.ca.

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