Some worry Evergreen Line could make Tri-Cities too costly

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Posted May 5, 2013 12:56 pm.

This article is more than 5 years old.

COQUITLAM (NEWS1130) – Will the Tri-Cities still be affordable for renters once the Evergreen Line is completed in three years?

One local housing advocate fears it won’t be.

Sandy Burpee with the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group is calling on all levels of government to offer incentives to developers he thinks will tear down aging buildings in place of new condos.

“The average rent for a purpose-built unit in the Tri-Cities is just about $800 for a one bedroom.”

He says Coquitlam is currently working on a strategy for housing affordability. “The city is concerned, they recognize the jeopardy for the current rental units. We’re working with them and the provincial government, more so after the election.”

A report released in January found the city would need 4,000 new low-income units by the time the transit line is finished in 2016.

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