Dear Editor:
I am saddened to hear news about Emery Place (Emery Tenants Raise Displacement Worry March 21) even though I am not a tenant there. (Tenants over all compete for a decent place to live, especially during periods when there is a low vacancy rate.)
Terry Wagner’s concerns, and those of the other tenants at Emery, are legitimate: “managing a major rental increase amid rising costs of living with a stagnant take-home pay.”
I’m curious about how many tenants are paying at least a few hundred dollars more than for their previous rental homes due to their home being demolished, etc. And I also wonder, how many live on paycheques that barely, if at all, keep up with rates of inflation and costs of living expenses? Furthermore, how many are paying close to 50 per cent or more just towards rent? So much for “affordable rentals!”
I find it offensive that Emery Place residents are being “bought out.” That is, that they may be financially compensated for their displacement for this reason: paying tenants a displacement fee does nothing to alleviate the stresses and losses of moving. That includes leaving support systems (such as friends and family) behind as well as schools, doctors, dentists, etc.
It seems that this is becoming a norm in our society. I truly hope things change for the better for tenants, including those at Emery Place.
Elly Stornebrink
North Vancouver
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
